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Allergy with glue on Freestyle Libre

Ceinlys

Member
Messages
5
Hi, anyone experienced an allergic reaction to the glue that holds the Freestyle Libre sensor to the arm?? I got 3 sensors with my last order, and I am not sure if it is a humidity issue or what, but the last 2 sensors in the package caused me to have an allergic reaction. I have been using the sensors since January this year without any issues. But I developed a rash in the area the sensor covered on my arm. We were in Florida on vacation at the time, and I thought with the heat and humidity??? The area got progressively itchy and eventually I had to remove it, and stop wearing for a few weeks. My skin got better and I tried again, only to discover 7 days in, the same thing started happening again. The itchiness returned and again, I had to remove the sensor. Itching has stopped with removal of sensor, but the skin is red and very rough. Help. Please let me know if anyone else has experienced this. I love the convenience of using the Freestyle Libre system. I do have a skin sensitivity issue with clear surgical tape whenever I have to have tests/IV's etc and always request paper tape.....but this is the glue on the sensor that is bothering me. I am hoping it was just a "bad" batch of sensors. Thanks for any responses.
 
I hope you find a solution! I know many people have a reaction to the glue. If you use facebook, there is a group called 'Dexcom and Libre rash', which should be very useful.
 
There is also a very informative Facebook page titled Dexcom and Libre Rash.

I thought that in the UK, Abbot had started shipping new sensors with different adhesive from around May time this year? Where did you get yours from?
 
This is a very comprehensive thread about libre reactions
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/freestyle-libre-poll-have-you-had-a-skin-reaction.77681/

There are some scary stories in there, you need to be careful about using it once you know your body is definitely allergic.

In my case, the allergy caused the readings to become uselessly erratic, so I had to give it up, though I recently bought just one more sensor to see if it would work for me....(Haven't tried it yet).

There is a variety of methods that people try to protect themselves from the glue, with varying success.

Good luck
 
I am afraid that no glue can be made that everyone can tolerate. There will always be individuals who can’t tolerate it - just like food and medication adverse reactions.

You may have been able to tolerate Abbott’s last glue formulation, but something different about this one causes you to have a reaction.

Very frustrating!

I’m currently wearing my first ‘new glue’ sensor, and I’m waiting with bated breath to see if I get a reaction. I react to most glues on plasters and dressings so I felt v lucky to tolerate Abbott’s last glue and was disappointed when they announced they were changing it.
 
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