The FreeStyle Libre 2 Sensor – a glucose monitoring system manufactured by Abbott Laboratories – is set to be discontinued in August 2025, with the product to be removed from Part IX of the October 2025 Drug Tariff.
From 1 October, NHS prescriptions for the discontinued sensor will be disallowed by the NHS Business Services Authority.
Related Article: Charity relaunches with fresh approach to tackle AMR crisis
Community Pharmacy England (CPE) has advised pharmacy teams to check current stock levels and advise patients using the FreeStyle Libre 2 Sensor to speak to their prescriber about switching to an alternative.
The recommended replacement is the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus Sensor, which is compatible with the current Libre 2 reader and LibreLink app.
A notice issued by the manufacturer said: ‘We are planning to discontinue our Libre 2 sensors. They will be phased out at the end of August 2025.
‘The Libre 2 Plus sensor is suitable for anyone currently using the Libre 2 sensor. It has all the same benefits – including real-time readings on users’ smartphones and optional glucose alarms – plus an extra day of wear time.’
Related Article: ASA takes action against pharmacies breaking rules on weight loss meds
It added: ‘Conveniently, the Libre 2 Plus sensor works with the current Libre 2 reader and LibreLink app, so it’s a smooth transition without having to change anything else.’
And it advised patients to speak to their healthcare professional to get their Libre 2 sensor prescription changed to the Libre 2 Plus sensor.
Related Article: New research partnerships aim to transform drug development and production
CPE has also advised pharmacy teams to keep up to date with its Drug Tariff Appliance Watch: Notice of Deletion page and to manage stock accordingly as deletion dates approach.
Complete our survey
We want to hear from pharmacists across the UK. The new Pharmacist survey covers topics as diverse as patient access, independent prescribing and medicine shortages. It is open to all pharmacists, whether they are in community, GP practices or hospitals.
Keep your clinical knowledge up to date with The Pharmacist
Extend your learning and record your learning outcomes
Have your say
Please add your comment in the box below. You can include links, but HTML is not permitted. Please note that comments are not moderated before publication and the views expressed are those of the user and do not reflect the views of The Pharmacist. Remember that submission of comments is governed by our Terms and Conditions. You can also read our full guidelines on article comments here – but please be aware that you are legally liable for any libellous or offensive comments that you make. If you have a complaint about a comment or are concerned that a comment breaches our terms and conditions, please use the ‘Report this comment’ function to alert our web team.