# Abbott Freestyle Libre now approved in the US **URL:** \ **Category:** C/GM\ **Tags:** freestyle-libre\ **Created:** [September 27, 2017, 11:41pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181 "2017-09-27T23:41:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Michel](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/michel/32/387_2.png) [@Michel](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Michel)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 8:07pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/28 "2017-09-28T20:07:24Z")
Btw: > The FDA approval is for ages 18 and older, meaning it’s not officially allowed for children. But I am sure it is possible to get it off-label from the right pediatric endo. Although, to be clear, I would never use it instead of a Dexcom for my kid. ---
**Author:** ![Thomas](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/thomas/32/1719_2.png) [@Thomas](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Thomas)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 8:14pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/29 "2017-09-28T20:14:06Z")
> [@Michel](#): > > Although, to be clear, I would never use it instead of a Dexcom for my kid. 😻 Dexcom Fan Club here 😻 But - I am a big fan of competition. ---
**Author:** ![kenrick](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/kenrick/32/113_2.png) [@kenrick](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/kenrick)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 8:20pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/30 "2017-09-28T20:20:00Z")
Ouch, maybe a buying opportunity for DXCM? ---
**Author:** ![Michel](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/michel/32/387_2.png) [@Michel](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Michel)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 8:46pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/31 "2017-09-28T20:46:37Z")
> [@kenrick](#): > > Ouch, maybe a buying opportunity for DXCM I think so too! ---
**Author:** ![Sam](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/sam/32/10595_2.png) [@Sam](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Sam)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 8:53pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/32 "2017-09-28T20:53:44Z")
> [@kenrick](#): > > Ouch, maybe a buying opportunity for DXCM? Or maybe the beginning of their death spiral. Who knows… all it would take is a few of the major powerhouse insurers to cover abbot instead of Dexcom and they’d be ruined-- and abbot is a big powerful company that knows how to pull strings. Individual stocks are too risky for me. ---
**Author:** ![Thomas](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/thomas/32/1719_2.png) [@Thomas](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Thomas)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 9:01pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/33 "2017-09-28T21:01:26Z")
> [@Sam](#): > > all it would take is a few of the major powerhouse insurers to cover abbot instead of Dexcom Unfortunately - that was my thought also as in “Are we going to hear from UHC now?” Hopefully not. Multiple companies producing good quality CGM systems benefit all the users. ---
**Author:** ![MaryPat](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/marypat/32/985_2.png) [@MaryPat](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/MaryPat)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 9:03pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/34 "2017-09-28T21:03:21Z")
> [@mikep](#): > > do you need the receiver or can you use an iPhone? Here is general info about the device: > [@How to use the Freestyle Libre anywhere, without a reader](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-to-use-the-freestyle-libre-anywhere-without-a-reader/2120): > > I am really interested in the Freestyle Libre, which is not available yet in the US. I have looked into what it would take to use it. Many forum threads discuss it, so finding info is easy. Finding good info is harder. Some things I figured out: You can mix and match readers and sensors from any country. Readers are locked into mg/dl or mmol/L, so, if you decide to purchase a reader, it is best to purchase one in a country which uses the unit you use. It is possible to use the FreeStyle… And here is @Kenrick’s review of the most well-known third party transmitter: > [@Freestyle Libre and Blucon as CGM](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/freestyle-libre-and-blucon-as-cgm/1367/): > > Earlier this year I pre-ordered a Blucon Nightrider from Ambrosia Systems ([https://www.ambrosiasys.com/](https://www.ambrosiasys.com/)). This is the reusable device that sits on top of the freestyle libre. Well, a few months ago I started on a minimed 630g with Enlite sensors and forgot about the Blucon until it arrived a few weeks ago. I happened to come across a couple of unused Freestyle Libre sensors during my seasonal cleaning so I thought I would give the system a try. The blucon itself is about as thick as a pen and … ---
**Author:** ![Michel](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/michel/32/387_2.png) [@Michel](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Michel)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 9:07pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/35 "2017-09-28T21:07:21Z")
> [@Sam](#): > > all it would take is a few of the major powerhouse insurers to cover abbot instead of Dexcom The Libre, as it stands from Abbott, is not a CGM! It replaces a lancet and a hand glucose meter, not a CGM. ---
**Author:** ![Sam](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/sam/32/10595_2.png) [@Sam](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Sam)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 9:08pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/36 "2017-09-28T21:08:41Z")
> [@Michel](#): > > he Libre, as it stands from Abbott, is not a CGM! It replaces a lancet and a hand glucose meter, not a CGM I wouldn’t argue that it is. I would however suggest that big pharma companies have an awful lot of ability to pull strings and influence what the standards of care are and what insurers will cover. I don’t really foresee this happening, but it certainly wouldn’t shock me ---
**Author:** ![Michel](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/michel/32/387_2.png) [@Michel](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Michel)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 9:10pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/37 "2017-09-28T21:10:43Z")
> [@Sam](#): > > big pharma companies have an awful lot of ability to pull strings and influence what the standards of care are and what insurers will cover. That is true for sure. But I think this is too far a reach, because it would be simply and totally false that you can replace a CGM by a Libre (unless you use 3rd party devices etc.). ---
**Author:** ![Sam](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/sam/32/10595_2.png) [@Sam](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Sam)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 9:11pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/38 "2017-09-28T21:11:47Z")
Stranger arguements have been won by lobbyists ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 9:13pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/39 "2017-09-28T21:13:35Z")
> [@Thomas](#): > > and each sensor costs about $70 out-of-pocket without insurance. How much do Dexcom sensors cost? I don’t mean the jacked up price the insurance pays, that a person pays a co-pay off of, and then they write-down the remainder, in some confusing math mess. I mean legitimately, out-of-pocket? Anyone here buying them on their own? ---
**Author:** ![Thomas](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/thomas/32/1719_2.png) [@Thomas](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Thomas)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 9:18pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/40 "2017-09-28T21:18:38Z")
> [@Eric](#): > > How much do Dexcom sensors cost? With Dexcom, I think the contracted price the insurance companies reimburse Dexcom and the price that cash paying customers pay is actually quite similar. Following are my insurance contracted prices: G4/G5 Sensor - $80 (7 day usage). These come four to a box @ $320 / box of four sensors. G5 Transmitter - $287 (115 day usage). These come two to an order @ $575. G5 Receiver - $470 (durable). One. lol. If anybody is paying cash for a substantially different price - it would certainly be interesting to hear how much different. ---
**Author:** ![Sam](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/sam/32/10595_2.png) [@Sam](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Sam)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 9:31pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/41 "2017-09-28T21:31:07Z")
> [@Thomas](#): > > With Dexcom, I think the contracted price the insurance companies reimburse Dexcom and the price that cash paying customers pay is actually quite similar This likely true— the big industry secret though is that they all pay the list price but then they negotiate for the rebate that Dexcom gives them (same with every other drug/device/ product covered by insurance.). They say it costs x amount and hand that over, then they turn around and the mfg stuffs half of it back into the other pocket— these rebates are what are driving cash prices through the roof because they no longer have any legit bearing on what something actually costs… of course the rebate amounts are all confidential Topic of frequent rants of mine ---
**Author:** ![mikep](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/mikep/32/149_2.png) [@mikep](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/mikep)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 10:21pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/42 "2017-09-28T22:21:35Z")
Dex says 7 days but I get 20+ on average due to restarting the sensor. Can you do that with Abbott? Also, since it’s NFC do you only get points plotted when you scan it? Does it hold a history and then plots on every scan? ---
**Author:** ![Boerenkool](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/boerenkool/32/6307_2.png) [@Boerenkool](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Boerenkool)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 10:25pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/43 "2017-09-28T22:25:29Z")
> [@mikep](#): > > Can you do that with Abbott? No, not with the Libre reader. With apps like xDrip you might be able to get readings for some more days. > [@mikep](#): > > Also, since it’s NFC do you only get points plotted when you scan it? Yes, that’s how it works. > [@mikep](#): > > Does it hold a history and then plots on every scan? You have to scan it every 8 hours if you don’t want to miss any data. ---
**Author:** ![Eric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/eric/32/9209_2.png) [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 10:36pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/44 "2017-09-28T22:36:28Z")
I thought the advantage of the Libre was supposed to be cost. But, for Dex: > [@Thomas](#): > > G4/G5 Sensor - $80 (7 day usage). And for Libre > [@Thomas](#): > > each sensor costs about $70 out-of-pocket without insurance. Since you can’t run the Libre longer, and almost everyone does run the Dex longer than 7 days, there doesn’t seem to be a big cost advantage. ---
**Author:** ![Chris](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/chris/32/382_2.png) [@Chris](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Chris)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 10:38pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/45 "2017-09-28T22:38:48Z")
> [@Eric](#): > > Since you can’t run the Libre longer, and almost everyone does run the Dex longer than 7 days, there doesn’t seem to be a big cost advantage. Your not factoring in the transmitter. The transmitter is included in the Abbott system. With that said, they are for different audiences. ---
**Author:** ![Sam](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/sam/32/10595_2.png) [@Sam](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Sam)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 10:39pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/46 "2017-09-28T22:39:08Z")
Transmitters for the dex aren’t cheap either ---
**Author:** ![Michel](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/forum.fudiabetes.org/michel/32/387_2.png) [@Michel](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Michel)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2017, 10:45pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181/47 "2017-09-28T22:45:22Z")
> [@Chris](#): > > The transmitter is included in the Abbott system. It is not, though - there is no transmitter in the Abbott system (unless you buy the Ambrosia BlueCon, which still does not have alarms). You have to hand-scan. You are out of luck at night. Huge differences. [Previous page](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/abbott-freestyle-libre-now-approved-in-the-us/2181.md?page=3)