FreeStyle Libre System FAQs
Answers to all your commonly asked questions
General
Why has the HSE granted reimbursement for the FreeStyle Libre system?
The FreeStyle Libre system has been reimbursed, as of the 3rd of April 2018, for some patients aged between 4 and 21 years.
^Eligibility Criteria:
1. Type 1 Diabetes
2. Children and young adults aged 4 - 21 years
3. Patients using multiple daily injections of insulin or insulin pump therapy
4. Patients who have increased blood glucose testing requirements (≥8 times daily)
5. Frequent episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hypoglycaemia which have included hospital admissions
6. Patient is not pregnant.
How will Abbott be rolling the FreeStyle Libre system out to healthcare professionals?
We have a multi‐channel education and support programme for both patients and clinicians to ensure that the UK and Ireland diabetes community is able to benefit from this reimbursement decision in the most responsible way possible.
We are in direct communication with CCGs and the wider healthcare economy to ensure that those intensively using insulin are given access to this innovative technology in the months and years ahead.
Healthcare Professionals
Can I prescribe the FreeStyle Libre system?
The FreeStyle Libre system has been reimbursed, as of the 3rd of April 2018, for some patients aged between 4 and 21 years.
^Eligibility Criteria:
1. Type 1 Diabetes
2. Children and young adults aged 4 - 21 years
3. Patients using multiple daily injections of insulin or insulin pump therapy
4. Patients who have increased blood glucose testing requirements (≥8 times daily)
5. Frequent episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hypoglycaemia which have included hospital admissions
6. Patient is not pregnant.
How do we order replacements?
If you have a faulty FreeStyle Libre reader, please contact our dedicated Healthcare Professional Customer Services team on 1800 77 66 33. If you need additional FreeStyle Libre readers and/or FreeStyle Libre system starter packs, please contact your territory manager.
Where do my patients access a FreeStyle Libre reader?
If the patient is suitable for the FreeStyle Libre system, FreeStyle Libre readers can be accessed free of charge from their healthcare professional.
How can I order through my preferred wholesaler?
The FreeStyle Libre sensors are only available from Abbott via the portal /pharmacy
Can UPS deliver at the weekend?
This service is not possible. Delivery will be between 8am and 6pm on weekdays.
Is there a charge for delivery?
There is no charge for standard delivery from Abbott.
What happens if the pharmacy is closed when a delivery is made?
UPS will try and redeliver up to 3 times to the pharmacy.
Does a delivery require a signature?
Yes, from a person who is authorised to accept pharmacy deliveries.
How do I report a faulty product?
All faulty good investigations are handled directly by Abbott. Please contact our dedicated Healthcare Professional Customer Services team on 1800 77 66 33 (Mon - Fri 8am - 5:30pm excluding Bank Holidays).
How do I set up an account to be able to order?
If you are part of a pharmacy chain, we have been working with your head office to pre-register you with an account. We have supplied them with your username and password which they should be able to share with you.
If you are an independent pharmacy, please register for an account at: /pharmacy. Your account should be activated within 24 hours and you will receive an email notification that your account has been approved.
How long after setting up my account can I order?
Once you have an account, you can place your order straight away.
How long will it take for me to get stock to my store?
In the vast majority of cases, stock will be delivered within 24 hours to the pharmacy, or the pharmacy counter within a store. The stock needs to be signed off by a pharmacy employee.
How can I track my order?
You will be provided with a tracking number from our partner UPS for each parcel. You can track using the information and links contained in the notification you receive via UPS.
How will I pay for the product I order?
You will be invoiced for payment via email. Payment is due within 30 days of the end of the month. You can pay via direct debit or BACs.
Payer
What are your plans to deal with the demand you have created with the cash pay programme?
We have spent a significant amount of time planning for any consequent increase in patient demand. We have, for example, deployed additional customer services representatives to help deal with inbound enquiries over the coming months.
Who are the most eligible patients for the FreeStyle Libre system?
Our clinical trial data and our application for reimbursement have focused on patients who intensively use insulin, Type 1 or Type 2.
How will Abbott be developing education programmes to ensure appropriate prescribing for healthcare professionals?
We have a multi‐channel education and support programme for local health economies (and patients and clinicians) to ensure that the UK diabetes community is able to benefit from this reimbursement decision in the most responsible way possible.