Libre availability

[bulkbiker]

Not sure if this applies to all but I jut got an email from Abbott saying that I can order a Libre from them. Registered about 3 months ago ... now the question is..... should I ?

 

[Rachox]

I didn’t register but was able to put 2 in my basket on their website so looks like anyone can order. I’ve toyed with the idea a lot but I’m scared I’ll get addicted and I really can’t afford to have them all the time!

 

[bulkbiker]

Well just ordered the starter pack so.....

 

[Rachox]

Well just ordered the starter pack so.....

Let us know how you get on!

 

[porl69]

Your BGs are pretty steady are they not? If you have never had one before then go for it and have a look at what your bloods are doing in between testing. It is an eye opener!

 

[bulkbiker]

Your BGs are pretty steady are they not? If you have never had one before then go for it and have a look at what your bloods are doing in between testing. It is an eye opener!

Yep usually 4.0 - 6.0 mmol/l be interesting to see .. especially overnight I guess...

 

[Energize]

I admit to feeling very 'vunerable' without Libre now but, fortunately, I'm rarely without it - only if I've run out etc.

It certainly does enlighten one regarding what is happening between finger pricking tests.

I'll be very interested, as well, to learn how you get on @bulkbiker, and you @Rachox, if you decide to try one. If you have Smart phone, it's likely you don't need the monitor, if you prefer to spend less and only occasional sensor

 

[CondorX]

Have just checked the website and it's not allowing me to order - same message about existing clients only. Not that it matters as I can get the sensors from my local ASDA anyway, but obviously it is not open to all yet - I did register months back but haven't had an email to say they are available yet. So it's only the chosen few, again, I think

 

[porl69]

Have just checked the website and it's not allowing me to order - same message about existing clients only. Not that it matters as I can get the sensors from my local ASDA anyway, but obviously it is not open to all yet - I did register months back but haven't had an email to say they are available yet. So it's only the chosen few, again, I think

You still need to register 1st. It is usually a 3 month wait minimum before you can order. Unfortunately Abbots are having to fulfill the massive NHS orders 1st!

 

[CondorX]

You still need to register 1st. It is usually a 3 month wait minimum before you can order. Unfortunately Abbots are having to fulfill the massive NHS orders 1st!

I did. Many months back now Cheaper at ASDA anyway so they can keep their selective list!!!

 

[Rachox]

You still need to register 1st. It is usually a 3 month wait minimum before you can order. Unfortunately Abbots are having to fulfill the massive NHS orders 1st!

I have to say that’s one of my reservations too. I’m managing to control my type 2 without one and I don’t want to ‘deprive’, if that’s the word, a type 1 on any waiting list of the chance to improve their life.

 

[porl69]

I have to say that’s one of my reservations too. I’m managing to control my type 2 without one and I don’t want to ‘deprive’, if that’s the word, a type 1 on any waiting list of the chance to improve their life.

I think its where the NHS are placing orders for thousands of them and are taking fist place in the queue. After all Abbotts is a business and they are going to look after their number 1 customer unfortunately no consideration for the small 1 time buyer who will at most take 20 sensors a year?

 

[CondorX]

I have to say that’s one of my reservations too. I’m managing to control my type 2 without one and I don’t want to ‘deprive’, if that’s the word, a type 1 on any waiting list of the chance to improve their life.

Oh Rachox, you won't deprive anyone of one.......they are easily purchased retail at ASDA and other pharmacies - our ASDA keep quite a few in stock - and are cheaper there than from Abbot by nearly £10.....go figure! I think Abbot manage to keep up with NHS and major retail deliveries, so web orders are likely a bit of a sideline and a nuisance. Apart from the little reader thingy, the sensors are easy to buy elsewhere. I bought a reader brand new off Ebay, only need one ever hopefully!!
I think the "waiting lists" for Type 1's for Libres are more to do with local funding arrangements and CCG's rather than short supplies.

 

[porl69]

@CondorX my son used to work for Abbotts. When he was there they were producing 80k units a day in the UK and expanding by another 40k. In Ireland they make nigh on 90k a day as well as the 1 they have in Europe. They do have a lot of errors on the production line, my son said in the region of 20% per run. Short supply, I have my doubts on that score as well!

 

[Brunneria]

Yep usually 4.0 - 6.0 mmol/l be interesting to see .. especially overnight I guess...

I was shocked at the absurdities my body indulges in, at night.

Far higher variation when I am asleep than when awake. Silly dips at 2.30am, then skipping about like a stone skimming a pond until the alarm goes off. And none of it significantly affected by the previous evening’s food.

then my eyes open, and things become far more normal and steady.

it was a very useful lesson in accepting the things I cannot control! Haha!

 

[Rachox]

Oh Rachox, you won't deprive anyone of one.......they are easily purchased retail at ASDA and other pharmacies - our ASDA keep quite a few in stock - and are cheaper there than from Abbot by nearly £10.....go figure!

Unfortunately my nearest Asda with a pharmacy is a forty minute drive away, mind you if I saved that much it might be worth spending the fuel!

 

[AndyRob]

I’ve been on the Libre for nearly six months now and whilst it’s not perfect, it’s good enough. If you don’t obsess about small accuracy irregularities and look at the global picture I think its fine and wouldn’t want to be without.

 

[sportyboston]

In Australia you can only order them online, they are not available at pharmacies.

 

[Bill_St]

Abbott seem to be opening up new markets around the world - China and Japan for example. They have also opened new production plant in Mexico and China.

Most of their marketing and sale in the USA is to T2D. It is also available at much lower prices in the USA. The USA forums report $56 for 2 14 day sensors using freely available savings cards. Considering their insulin costs over there are several times ours, like many other medical products, there is no excuse for such high Libre prices in Europe and U.K. - unless perhaps they can increase demand by creating a false shortage.

They have had the new Libre with Bluetooth alarms on sale in Germany for some time - it is approved in the EU so also in U.K. But they choose not to supply us.

I do not believe in this so-called shortage - marketing hype.
I like the product but do not like the company tactics.
We do need stronger competition and it will come.

 

[coljones]

In Australia you can only order them online, they are not available at pharmacies.

They are available from Pharmacy4less on Great North Rd, Five Dock at about $98 (14 days). They also sell readers.