Anyone having big reliability issues with Freestyle Libre 2 Plus sensors?

[Hobo1960]

If a CGM has a manufacturing issue where not enough adhesive is consistently being applied to make it stick to your arm then it clearly isn't fit for purpose. I've worked in medical supplies for 30+ years and have also been a customer of Abbott for many of those. I made my thoughts very clear to the MHRA and I've had Abbott call me acknowledging they are aware of the issue.

I have kept the two worst examples for the MHRA to inspect. You know there is a problem when no Mark has been left on your arm after the thing falls off and you can barely notice any adhesive on the CGM when you touch it and it's pure white in appearance rather than the normal greying of the adhesive after use Both of these examples were replacements that came directly from Abbott as I've had 7 fail due to adhesion, 1 fail due incorrect readings and only one which lasted the duration. So 9 in total over a period of about 6 weeks.

Interestingly my diabetes nurse has been testing the Libre 2+ and hers never managed to last more than 7 days while the Dexcom one+ consistently lasts the 10 days. This is also my observation.

I have also used the Libre 2 previously for several years and while I did occasionally have replacements I've never had them fail so consistently as the Libre 2+..

You should also not need to purchase anything such as a sleeve or plaster to enable you to use these items. These companies are being paid a small fortune by the NHS and if additional items are needed they should be in the box!.

Dexcom gave me a call after I started using the One Plus. I’ve not had a problem with the Dexcom, but did suggest that they include an alcohol wipe with every sensor. the Libre adhesive was very poor, I found it necessary to shave my arm (no, I’m not an Orangutan) and clean the area with surgical spirit. I also used a Skin Grip over patch. I have noticed that the Dexcom adhesive is very strong and the over patch included in the box works well.

 

[Tim Willis]

I've had a very low failure rate with the Libre 2 and more recently the Libre 2+. I have had one fail (after 2 days) and one come off in my sleep, and that was before I started wearing a stretchy 'armband' over it . The armband is breathable and comfortable and protects the sensor unlike other solutions involving extra patches, adhesives or 'sticky' wipes. For the two problems I had, Abbott were very quick to replace them for free.

I concede that there are a number of people for whom they won't work for whatever reason, and I've listed a number of possible reasons below. It may be a bit strong to say that as a product it's not fit for purpose when there isn't clinical evidence to support this assertion, all we have is anecdotal reports on a handful of user forums. If it doesn't work for you, perhaps work with Abbott to try and sort it or get your GP to prescribe a different brand? Good Luck!

Hope some of this may help those facing challenges with CGM sensors.

If a CGM has a manufacturing issue where not enough adhesive is consistently being applied to make it stick to your arm then it clearly isn't fit for purpose. I've worked in medical supplies for 30+ years and have also been a customer of Abbott for many of those. I made my thoughts very clear to the MHRA and I've had Abbott call me acknowledging they are aware of the issue.

I have kept the two worst examples for the MHRA to inspect. You know there is a problem when no Mark has been left on your arm after the thing falls off and you can barely notice any adhesive on the CGM when you touch it and it's pure white in appearance rather than the normal greying of the adhesive after use Both of these examples were replacements that came directly from Abbott as I've had 7 fail due to adhesion, 1 fail due incorrect readings and only one which lasted the duration. So 9 in total over a period of about 6 weeks.

Interestingly my diabetes nurse has been testing the Libre 2+ and hers never managed to last more than 7 days while the Dexcom one+ consistently lasts the 10 days. This is also my observation.

I have also used the Libre 2 previously for several years and while I did occasionally have replacements I've never had them fail so consistently as the Libre 2+..

You should also not need to purchase anything such as a sleeve or plaster to enable you to use these items, if you are saying the things are falling off while you are taji. These companies are being paid a small fortune by the NHS and if additional items are needed they should be in the box!.

Had a few issues with Libra plus2 but overall they seem to be fine, some times it says glucose levels paused? and yes Abbott has always replaced any faulty sensors I've reported to them.

I'm curious as I've had so many issues, do you use anything to keep the sensor in place?.

Also how many of the 2+ have you used so far and how many have failed?

 

[Dan161282]

Y

If a CGM has a manufacturing issue where not enough adhesive is consistently being applied to make it stick to your arm then it clearly isn't fit for purpose. I've worked in medical supplies for 30+ years and have also been a customer of Abbott for many of those. I made my thoughts very clear to the MHRA and I've had Abbott call me acknowledging they are aware of the issue.

I have kept the two worst examples for the MHRA to inspect. You know there is a problem when no Mark has been left on your arm after the thing falls off and you can barely notice any adhesive on the CGM when you touch it and it's pure white in appearance rather than the normal greying of the adhesive after use Both of these examples were replacements that came directly from Abbott as I've had 7 fail due to adhesion, 1 fail due incorrect readings and only one which lasted the duration. So 9 in total over a period of about 6 weeks.

Interestingly my diabetes nurse has been testing the Libre 2+ and hers never managed to last more than 7 days while the Dexcom one+ consistently lasts the 10 days. This is also my observation.

I have also used the Libre 2 previously for several years and while I did occasionally have replacements I've never had them fail so consistently as the Libre 2+..

You should also not need to purchase anything such as a sleeve or plaster to enable you to use these items. These companies are being paid a small fortune by the NHS and if additional items are needed they should be in the box!.

If a CGM has a manufacturing issue where not enough adhesive is consistently being applied to make it stick to your arm then it clearly isn't fit for purpose. I've worked in medical supplies for 30+ years and have also been a customer of Abbott for many of those. I made my thoughts very clear to the MHRA and I've had Abbott call me acknowledging they are aware of the issue.

I have kept the two worst examples for the MHRA to inspect. You know there is a problem when no Mark has been left on your arm after the thing falls off and you can barely notice any adhesive on the CGM when you touch it and it's pure white in appearance rather than the normal greying of the adhesive after use Both of these examples were replacements that came directly from Abbott as I've had 7 fail due to adhesion, 1 fail due incorrect readings and only one which lasted the duration. So 9 in total over a period of about 6 weeks.

Interestingly my diabetes nurse has been testing the Libre 2+ and hers never managed to last more than 7 days while the Dexcom one+ consistently lasts the 10 days. This is also my observation.

I have also used the Libre 2 previously for several years and while I did occasionally have replacements I've never had them fail so consistently as the Libre 2+..

You should also not need to purchase anything such as a sleeve or plaster to enable you to use these items. These companies are being paid a small fortune by the NHS and if additional items are needed they should be in the box!.

Yeah they don’t last the full days. I act to replace mine with 5 days left. Dexcom one+ seems to be better. Starts up quicker, comfy, and doesn’t hurt when you even put it on. Also comes with over cover thing

 

[louisew2605]

Y



Yeah they don’t last the full days. I act to replace mine with 5 days left. Dexcom one+ seems to be better. Starts up quicker, comfy, and doesn’t hurt when you even put it on. Also comes with over cover thing

I’ve been using them for three years and I think only 3 have fallen off in that time

 

[grantg]

New sensor yesterday DoA. That's a first for me. Zero readings logged whatsoever. Woke up alarm from it at 4.19am urgh.

Abbot's customer service usually good sending out replacements.. shame courier company they choose isn't as good nor helpful wouldnt be difficult for them imo to give a tracking reference... So don't need wait in umpteen days. That's one disadvantage of living in the isles.. courier services suck bad, never is next day delivery unless royalmail used

 

[Hobo1960]

New sensor yesterday DoA. That's a first for me. Zero readings logged whatsoever. Woke up alarm from it at 4.19am urgh.

Abbot's customer service usually good sending out replacements.. shame courier company they choose isn't as good nor helpful wouldnt be difficult for them imo to give a tracking reference... So don't need wait in umpteen days. That's one disadvantage of living in the isles.. courier services suck bad, never is next day delivery unless royalmail used

Have a word with your doctor to see if he can prescribe an extra sensor on your prescription, Fortunately, my doctor doesn’t stick rigidly to prescription repeat dates so I always try to put in a repeat prior to starting my last sensor. If you’re living in a remote area he should be able to justify it. My last doctor was happy to issue prescriptions for two months, yes it was against the rules, but he said he could justify it on the basis of the delays in obtaining some items. I tend to keep additional insulin to hand, as I’ve had awful delays with the local pharmacy being able to obtain it.

 

[Is Vic There ?]

New sensor yesterday DoA. That's a first for me. Zero readings logged whatsoever. Woke up alarm from it at 4.19am urgh.

Abbot's customer service usually good sending out replacements.. shame courier company they choose isn't as good nor helpful wouldnt be difficult for them imo to give a tracking reference... So don't need wait in umpteen days. That's one disadvantage of living in the isles.. courier services suck bad, never is next day delivery unless royalmail used

Would appear that we are seeing messages that we never saw with the previous sensor and the firmware in the sensor has been updated to the point where it is finding fault where the old sensor never had this level of checking then they were not perfect but at least carried on working.
I did ask Abbots to stop distributing the Libre 2 Plus and go back to the previous version. If most of the errors are sirmware related then they just need to go back to the old firmware. Feels like we are testing the product for them.
When I spoke with Abbots they say they tested these on themselves but I suspect testing these on people who are not diabetic would only test the middle ground and not the Highs and lows of the Diabetic community.
Let's Hope Abbots are reading these comments and taking on board the need to change the Plus product asap.

 

[grantg]

Have a word with your doctor to see if he can prescribe an extra sensor on your prescription, Fortunately, my doctor doesn’t stick rigidly to prescription repeat dates so I always try to put in a repeat prior to starting my last sensor. If you’re living in a remote area he should be able to justify it. My last doctor was happy to issue prescriptions for two months, yes it was against the rules, but he said he could justify it on the basis of the delays in obtaining some items. I tend to keep additional insulin to hand, as I’ve had awful delays with the local pharmacy being able to obtain it.

complains frequently if getting prescriptions 'early' to the point that the senna i use (prescribed 28 at a time... take 1 or 2 daily as required). sometimes im needing 2 sometimes 1 othertimes none as the pain meds give me constipation resulting in rectal bleeding.. i needed after 16 days more senna and spend several days arguing til received. really depends on which dr is actually signing the prescription. my own dr doesnt have issue when see in person if need something a little early. the other dr at the surgery always is issue alongside when the pharmacist there signs repeats doesnt tend to do 'early' repeats in her view is a months supply.

I'm actually overall pleased with the libre2 plus have had a few issues since using them however feel that the benefits and general accuracy (overall) is exceptionally useful especially when needlephobic... abbots have replaced without question anytime have called to say any issues had. issue i have with libre when there is fault is the time in which it can take (due to the location i live) to get the said replacement. also means sometimes no glucose checks at all for umpteen days.

 

[Dan161282]

https://www.dexcom.com/en-GB/dexcom-one-plus-sample @grantg you could try this. Free trial and see if that is better for you. I had it in for days now. It’s only 0.2 at most out and starts up really quickly and reliable in first 24 hours unlike libre

 

[Jaylee]

I'm actually overall pleased with the libre2 plus

Don’t know if it’s just me.
But I’ve found the 2plus BT range seems to be extended?
I no longer need to carry my phone with me about the house..
I can pretty much leave the phone on charge in one spot & it seems to have a similar range to my BT headphones or watch..

 

[Hobo1960]

https://www.dexcom.com/en-GB/dexcom-one-plus-sample @grantg you could try this. Free trial and see if that is better for you. I had it in for days now. It’s only 0.2 at most out and starts up really quickly and reliable in first 24 hours unlike libre

I took up the free trial for Dexcom One+ and have found it works really well, I’m on sensor number 5. A very small gripe from me is I’m lazy carrying a phone around the house so have now turned the lost signal alert off. If you give the Dexcom a try, and decide not to change, at least you’ll have a spare freestyle Libre sensor stored away without your doctor ever knowing!

 

[Dan161282]

I took up the free trial for Dexcom One+ and have found it works really well, I’m on sensor number 5. A very small gripe from me is I’m lazy carrying a phone around the house so have now turned the lost signal alert off. If you give the Dexcom a try, and decide not to change, at least you’ll have a spare freestyle Libre sensor stored away without your doctor ever knowing!

I always have spares luckily. One thing good about Abbott at least they replace all bad sensors for me and have been very good about it but it’s a pain having to fill out the same stuff all over again. Dexcom have a limit with replacements unfortunately

 

[Dan161282]

I took up the free trial for Dexcom One+ and have found it works really well, I’m on sensor number 5. A very small gripe from me is I’m lazy carrying a phone around the house so have now turned the lost signal alert off. If you give the Dexcom a try, and decide not to change, at least you’ll have a spare freestyle Libre sensor stored away without your doctor ever knowing!

I like it so far and I love how you can calibrate it. Mine was higher than blood and you just enter the blood % on the settings and it fixes it

 

[Jaylee]

I like it so far and I love how you can calibrate it. Mine was higher than blood and you just enter the blood % on the settings and it fixes it

Weirdly there are 3rd party apps for the Libre that can send to smart watches..
But I’ve never had the need to use the calibration feature. normally & approximately within 0.6Mmol for me with a meter. Give or take any interstitial fluid lag?
I can live with that..

 

[grantg]

I like it so far and I love how you can calibrate it. Mine was higher than blood and you just enter the blood % on the settings and it fixes it

Calibration is great when works. Best calibrate when graph shows flat as possible. no point calibrating eg blood sugar on downwards trend it still uses interestrial fluids same if upwards trend.

There are 3rd party apps around which can give libre sensor same calibration control

 

[Hobo1960]

I always have spares luckily. One thing good about Abbott at least they replace all bad sensors for me and have been very good about it but it’s a pain having to fill out the same stuff all over again. Dexcom have a limit with replacements unfortunately

Any ideas on what the Dexcom replacement limits are? I’ve not had a problem, and haven’t needed a replacement, but I do feel that we have a certain amount of responsibility to look after these sensors. I restore classic cars in my spare time and take reasonable steps to protect the sensors from knocks and abrasions. Without taking care I could probably destroy a sensor in a couple of hours!

 

[Jaylee]

Calibration is great when works. Best calibrate when graph shows flat as possible. no point calibrating eg blood sugar on downwards trend it still uses interestrial fluids same if upwards trend.

There are 3rd party apps around which can give libre sensor same calibration control

Totally agree on this.

Flat & in range.

Don’t mess with the feature when wildly fluctuating..
Don’t know about you? But for me. Libres lag on the response from a hypo. (Sub 3.5.)
Even the meter can lag a fraction behind how I feel with the symptoms from recovery.
Always dips further in minutes with a meter before it rises for me?

 

[Jaylee]

Any ideas on what the Dexcom replacement limits are? I’ve not had a problem, and haven’t needed a replacement, but I do feel that we have a certain amount of responsibility to look after these sensors. I restore classic cars in my spare time and take reasonable steps to protect the sensors from knocks and abrasions. Without taking care I could probably destroy a sensor in a couple of hours!

I did a trial with Dexcom.
Found them quite competitive with Abbott.

I would wager they would be at least be neck & neck regarding adjusting for any faults on their products?
I was self funding the Libre at the time & after registering a trial with Libre the call I had from Dexy customer rep was like a “love triangle.” Lol. Bit intense..
no real competition on the stability or how close it was for the BG for me..
Just preferred the skin low profile of the Libre & the 14 day change over at the time.?

 

[Dan161282]

Weirdly there are 3rd party apps for the Libre that can send to smart watches..
But I’ve never had the need to use the calibration feature. normally & approximately within 0.6Mmol for me with a meter. Give or take any interstitial fluid lag?
I can live with that..

I never used any 3rd party apps but my diabetes nurse told me you could get readings on the watch by that way.
Libre used to be really good for me when I started using them 4 years ago and was spot on with the lows but unfortunately last two years I had many failures. I’m lucky my levels are good and don’t drop

 

[grantg]

i'd like to put some minds at possible rest.

Dexcom will replace all sensors that we confirm as failures during the intended lifetime of the sensors through investigation.

https://www.dexcom.com/en-GB/sensor-replacement-policy Limit max 2 every 12 months period for the dexcom one+

The limit max which you have said above is "goodwill" that is for sensors replaced which were not faulty, rather a user error or other issue such as removing for a mri scan or whatever else...

In the event a user requests a replacement for a non-defective sensor (sensor removed for a procedure, user application errors, etc.), the user will be provided with educational materials in the hopes of preventing future issues. In addition, as a gesture of goodwill, Dexcom will provide replacements if needed to ensure continued sensor supply, in a limited quantity each year.

it further makes the reference to 2 dexcom replacements. that is for Non Defective monitor issues.