Is Libre available 'over the counter'?

[BeccyB]

Hello wonderful people, can anyone tell me if I can just walk into a pharmacy and buy a Freestyle Libre?

I use the Dexcom G6 but had a couple of failures last night (I was doing something wrong that I didn't know about!) and cannot get delivery of more sensors until sometime on Monday. I feel totally lost today without knowing how my levels are and thought maybe I could get a libre as a stop-gap. Will still miss the reassurance of the alarms but would at least be able to check were I am more easily while I'm enjoying my weekend

 

[Deleted Account]

Yes but not all pharmacies.
Last time I checked, Asda pharmacy (not the main store) was the cheapest.
They did not have them on the shelf - you have to preorder and they usually arrive within 2 days.

 

[Rokaab]

Yes but not all pharmacies.
Last time I checked, Asda pharmacy (not the main store) was the cheapest.
They did not have them on the shelf - you have to preorder and they usually arrive within 2 days.

I know my local Adsa pharmacy generally has them in stock - only once in the last year they haven't had any in when I've gone in, but it probably is very dependent on the exact pharmacy.

 

[BeccyB]

Thanks @helensaramay and @Rokaab - we have a really big Asda locally so I will try there

 

[Jaylee]

Hi @BeccyB ,

If ASDA don't have them in stock? You can pre order? My local superstore pharmacy reckon it can take a couple of days.
Though, if it's a single purchase? They do let me have one there & then..

Fill out the VAT exempt form, which is quick.& yer good to go!

 

[EllieM]

and thought maybe I could get a libre as a stop-gap.

I doubt that the pharmacies will have the readers in stock. Have you got a reader already? If not, I believe there may be software which will allow your phone to activate the device, but you should check that out first....
Also, it tends not to be very accurate for the first 24 hours so at the very least you'll need to do blood tests to check whether its readings are in range for you. (It may work fine, but don't count on it.)

 

[Jaylee]

I doubt that the pharmacies will have the readers in stock. Have you got a reader already? If not, I believe there may be software which will allow your phone to activate the device, but you should check that out first....
Also, it tends not to be very accurate for the first 24 hours so at the very least you'll need to do blood tests to check whether its readings are in range for you. (It may work fine, but don't count on it.)

Hi,
You shouldn't need a scanner/reader to activate & use the Libre sensor.. The librelink app on a compatible device (phone.) will do the job!

I don't posses a Libre scanner.


@BeccyB , there is a list of compatible phones with the Glimp reader app, too... I'm happy to look this up, if you come back with the make & model of your smart phone?

 

[evilclive]

The important bit with the phone is "Does it have NFC". If not, you'll need a reader.

 

[DCUKMod]

For a list of phones with NFC, this list is a decent starting point:

http://www.nfcworld.com/nfc-phones-list/