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Allergy to glue/adhesive on freestyle libre sensors

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
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Izzie

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Type 1
Hello, After using freestlyle libre sensors for many months, I developed an allergy. First, slight itching - becoming more severe with raised red spots around sensor in upper arm. I went back to finger-pricking blood tests and reported the allergy to Abbott (very unhelpful), doctor, and the 'yellow card scheme'. I have read online how many other Type 1 diabetics are suffering from this allergy but have found no evidence of research being done by any pharmaceutical companies to enable us to re-start using the sensor system again (with different adhesive for example). A pharmacist suggested I use armbands which are readily available online to hold the sensor in place but first you would need to strip the sensor of its backing adhesive. I am surprised that there are no instructions, recommendations or endorsements on how best to go about this task. Also, would the readings be as accurate? Does anyone know any more please? Many thanks for reading.
 
Robot said:
Hello, After using freestlyle libre sensors for many months, I developed an allergy. First, slight itching - becoming more severe with raised red spots around sensor in upper arm. I went back to finger-pricking blood tests and reported the allergy to Abbott (very unhelpful), doctor, and the 'yellow card scheme'. I have read online how many other Type 1 diabetics are suffering from this allergy but have found no evidence of research being done by any pharmaceutical companies to enable us to re-start using the sensor system again (with different adhesive for example). A pharmacist suggested I use armbands which are readily available online to hold the sensor in place but first you would need to strip the sensor of its backing adhesive. I am surprised that there are no instructions, recommendations or endorsements on how best to go about this task. Also, would the readings be as accurate? Does anyone know any more please? Many thanks for reading.
Click to expand...
How long ago did you last try the sensors? Apparently Abbott have changed the adhesive,( I think it was round about April) but because I wasn’t allergic to the original, I didn’t notice any change, except that they don’t seem to stick quite so much like a limpet.
Have you had a trawl through the forum? I’m sure there have been people reporting work arounds, like skin-tac to form a barrier, or sticking tegaderm on, with a hole in the centre for the filament, then sticking the sensor on top. (None of these workarounds are sanctioned by Abbot, though, so if the sensor then fell off, or didn’t work properly, they wouldn’t replace it.)
Edit: Ah, just found this thread, with some ideas.
https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/allergy-to-libre-adhesive.52686/
 
Last edited:
Robin said:
How long ago did you last try the sensors? Apparently Abbott have changed the adhesive,( I think it was round about April) but because I wasn’t allergic to the original, I didn’t notice any change, expect that they don’t seem to stick quite so much like a limpet.
Have you had a trawl through the forum? I’m sure there have been people reporting work arounds, like skin-tac to form a barrier, or sticking tegaderm on, with a hole in the centre for the filament, then sticking the sensor on top. (None of these workarounds are sanctioned by Abbot, though, so if the sensor then fell off, or didn’t work properly, they wouldn’t replace it.)
Edit: Ah, just found this thread, with some ideas.
https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/allergy-to-libre-adhesive.52686/
Click to expand...
 
Hi Robin, thanks for reply! I began using the sensors last Autumn and the allergic reaction began in this August. I will take a look at what you forwarded and have a trawl thru' more forums. Regards.
 
I had really bad reactions at the start of the year January / February. I used a tagerderm dressing under the sensor (lined up with probe etc) and stuck sensor to tagerderm for about 2 months. Then in May I tried without, just sticking to arm and all was fine. The glue was changed in sensors available from April. Maybe you had old stock? or a larger supply to get through? I get 2 a month. Abbott’s are good with any issues.
 
Sorry to hear you have had a reaction to the adhesive @Robot.

As others have said there was a recent change to the adhesive, and there were other R&D changes before that (Eg in the grooves on the underside of the sensor to help skin health through the 14 days)

Also be aware that many of the posts online remarking on reactions will be from the older adhesive which is no longer in common use.
 
Sorry that you have had a reaction. I understand that there has been a recent change to the adhesive. I never did have any reactions when I was using Libre. I did use a barrier cream and this might have been why.
 
Status
This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
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