Does acetaminophen alter the glucose readings of the FreeStyle Libre System?
The FreeStyle Libre system has no contraindications or warnings for acetaminophen (paracetamol) use.1 In vitro study was conducted to examine the effect of acetaminophen (Tylenol or Panadol), on FreeStyle Libre Sensor glucose readings. However, the effect of this substance in vivo has not been studied and may differ. The finding is as follows: Acetaminophen was tested at a concentration of 1.1mmol/L in glucose-containing solution (10 times the maximum of the therapeutic range for acetaminophen) and demonstrated minimal impact on reported Sensor glucose values.2
References
1. FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system User's Manual.
2. Acetaminophen Interference on ISF Based Glucose Monitoring Systems Alva, S., Chen, T., Naegeli, A. poster presented at DTT 2017