Freestyle Libre medi swap problem

[chrisf-1]

Hi again everyone I am now on the freestyle libre and they have stopped supplying the the alcohol swabs with the sensor!!! So I contacted my doctor who prescribed them separately for me but have since been in touch with my chemist who tells me he cannot locate anyone with stock so cannot supply so in turn I then contacted the pharmacist at my surgery who said if the chemist cannot get a supply then he will not be able to either what can I do any suggestions welcome as I have about a week to run before I will need them I was thinking maybe cotton wool and surgical spirit would the result be the same many thanks everyone and stay safe Chris

 

[Peter03]

Yes that would work, I use that all the time, I thought it was just in the EU that libre had stopped swaps but obviously not

 

[Rokaab]

A wash with soap and water before putting the libre on is plenty to get wherever your putting it clean enough for it.

I only used the alcohol swabs to get the sticky stuff off my arms afterwards cos they stick to me like superglue, I actually ordered a big tub from amazon that were much bigger to do that

Though I recently changed to the Medtronic Guardian sensors and they said they didn't actually advise wiping the skin (they dont provide any with their sensors) with alcohol wipes beforehand, soap and water would do the job, I know they aren't the libre but I suspect the same applies.

 

[In Response]

Abbott emailed me when they stopped supplying the swabs and said that soap and water is fine. There is no need to cost the NHS extra money and filling more land fill with rubbish.
Just use soap and water and you will be fine.

 

[corbanwolf]

They are available online for half free. Go to eBay and search alcohol pads or wipes

 

[kvetiny]

The swabs they have been supplying recently have been useless, all dried up. Best to use soap and water and your own nails.

 

[JaneC]

So much antiseptic hand gels around, why not use a drop of that if soap and water not good enough?

 

[UK T1]

So much antiseptic hand gels around, why not use a drop of that if soap and water not good enough?

Just a heads up for any new libre users that some have problems with sensor adhesive not sticking properly. Personally I've always found the opposite and struggle to remove the sensors after two weeks! Just in case, I was told part of the reason to use the alcohol wipes or soap and water is to remove any moisturiser/creams etc from the surface of the skin so the adhesive sticks better. Some of the alcohol gels have moisturiser type substances mixed in them, so it might affect how long the sensor stays stuck.

 

[JaneC]

Just a heads up for any new libre users that some have problems with sensor adhesive not sticking properly. Personally I've always found the opposite and struggle to remove the sensors after two weeks! Just in case, I was told part of the reason to use the alcohol wipes or soap and water is to remove any moisturiser/creams etc from the surface of the skin so the adhesive sticks better. Some of the alcohol gels have moisturiser type substances mixed in them, so it might affect how long the sensor stays stuck.

Good point!