Abbott is discontinuing the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor (FSL 2) previously stocked by the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Therefore, we are now stocking the FSL 3 Plus sensor.
The new sensor is smaller and can store data for up to 15 days. It is our goal to make this transition as seamless as possible.
If clients are currently using their smart phone to sync with the sensors:
- Prior to the next sensor application, they will need to download the “FreeStyle Libre 3” app, log in, and sync the new sensor using this program. All of their data and settings should be saved.
If they are currently using a handheld reader to sync with the sensors, their options are to:
- Switch to using their smart phone. We can help them with this at their next appointment. [recommended]
- Purchase a new reader (FreeStyle Libre 3 Reader) that is compatible with the new sensor type either from you, us, or a human pharmacy (prescription required)
- Continue to use their old reader (FreeStyle Libre 2 Reader) and purchase a different sensor (FSL 2 Plus) from a human pharmacy (prescription required).
We do not recommend this third option because the new FSL 3 Plus sensor can store data for up to 15 days, while the previous sensor stores data for only up to 8 hours. Switching to the FSL 3 Plus sensor means they do not have to scan as frequently and do not risk losing any data.
If you are prescribing the sensors for your patients and are using one of the discontinued models (FSL 2 or FSL 3):
- You will need to call in a new prescription to the human pharmacy for the updated model for your patients (FSL 2 Plus, FSL 3 Plus). The pharmacies won’t simply update the prescription.
More information for prescribers is available from Abbott.
Clients have already been contacted if their pet’s diabetes is monitored via a FreeStyle Libre device through the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Please feel free to contact our small animal internal medicine service with any questions about this transition at vthsam@vetmed.illinois.edu.
