As most of us know, we were told to not use acetaminophen when using a Dexcom CGM. And, as been discussed here, there doesn't seem to be much of a real effect when taking a pain reliever with acetaminophen. But, I think I might have figured out one effect. I had recent surgery to repair problem with carpal tunnel issues. I took acetaminophen based pain relievers during the time after both surgeries (one surgery on each wrist) My G4 sensor lasted just over 2 weeks each of those times. The readings were good, and in line with my calibration readings. But it seems to me the time the sensor lasted was much shorter than normal. Normally I get 4 or more weeks out of a sensor. So I'm thinking the real effect is limiting the sensor life.
Not 100% sure on this, but figured it was good food for thought...
Acetaminophen really affected the Dexcom7. Readings would skyrocket. With the G4 not so much. In fact I think there is a post around here saying acetaminophen doesn’t affect the G4 but there isn’t FDA approval stating that.
I spoke with a CDE at Dexcom. She told me that not everyone who uses a Dexcom G4 notices inaccurate readings while taking acetaminophen. Whether or not acetaminophen will negatively impact the reliability of your Dexcom readings depends on your own individual biochemistry. Some people can take acetaminophen until the proverbial cows come home and see absolutely no impact on their Dexcom numbers. For others, acetaminophen significantly effs up the accuracy of their Dexcom readings. Fortunately, my daughter is one of the lucky ones; acetaminophen does not impact the accuracy of her Dexcom.
I haven't tried acetaminophen, because ibuprofen works just as well for me. But I DO wonder how you get 4 weeks out of a sensor!! Most I've ever gotten is 3 -- it started to go bad the very next day. I'd like to get as much time out of them as possible due to the expense -- my insurance DOES pay 80%, but 20% of expensive is still expensive, when you're not in the top 60%!!
I think rgcainmd put it perfect it is individual biochemistry. Even before going on the Dexcom I noticed differences in numbers with acetaminophen and ibuprofen. I had screaming high numbers on ibuprofen and the opposite on acetaminophen.The Dexcom truly indicated these results. I would say the Decom truly reflects the accuracy of my data.
I used to get more. Not sure why only 4 now, I think it's due to the transmitter aging. I'll know more when it's time to replace the transmitter. But it is a stretch to get that much time. The last few days are very problematic. I try to milk it for all it's worth.
in terms of dexcom, the acetaminophen isn't actually increase blood sugars, it just messes up, for some reason, the results of the dexcom, making blood sugars appear much higher, but the medicine itself isn't raising blood sugars, thus just 'false highs'. I've noticed sometimes it effects it, other times it doesn't?
It may have been with the Dexcom Seven, but I swear that one time when I accidentally took acetaminophen while using the CGM, 'Dexie' shieked at me, it really freaked. Maybe it depends on personal body chemistry.
