I have been using the G7 sensors for 1 month. I never had any problems with G6 adhesive as far as irritation or itching. With G7 my arm itches constantly and when it is time to replace it, the area underneath is red and inflamed. Has anyone experienced these symptoms? I suspect they have changed the adhesive.
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The G7 adhesive certainly has more bite than the G6 and is harder to peel off the skin. I suspect they used a stronger adhesive because there is far less adhesive on the G7 than on the G6. I also suspect they initially planned to use the G7 without the overpatch. I put mine on the belly, which is far less sensitive than the arm and an easier place to apply. I think my next sensor, I will try to use without an overpatch as it adheres so much better than the G6.
Thanks. I may try that.
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I don’t use an over patch on my G7 and it sticks beautifully.
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Without irritation at the site?
If so, maybe the overpatch is the problem.
It is a possibility
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I have a mild red ring when I remove the adhesive only under the overpatch area. It has not bothered me much as 2-3 days after I remove the sensor, the red ring fades back to normal skin color.
I had problems with the G6 just as you described. I started to use Flonase (nasal spray for allergies) on site before I put on the sensor, and I never had a problem again. I swab the skin site with alcohol then when that dries I spray on the Flonase and rub it in. After that dries, I put on sensor. I’ve always used the Flonase since I switched to the G7 and never had a problem.
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Very interesting. Thanks for the suggestion.
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That has been my experience plus lots of itching. Today, however, no itching and it’s day 9. That doesn’t make much sense. Tomorrow I am sure I will find a large red ring.
They said they were going to switch the adhesive of the G7 to being stronger and they knew more people might be irritated by it, but they said too many had problems with the G6 not adhering well. You might try spraying flonase on the site first, people have said that works well.
But here are some possible helps
Flonase Spray-Most popular to use
Cavilon Spray
Bard Protective Barrier Film wipes
Skin Prep Protective Barrier Wipes
Hollister Skin gel protective wipes
Even Skin Tac has helped some people, creates a slight/mild barrier
I starting using a product called “Skin Tac” with G5 and still do with G7. Long run, cheaper to get as a bottle of liquid adhesive, but i also have a box of the individual adhesive wipes for travel. I get it from Amazon, but i’m sure it’s available elsewhere. There are other good suggestions in this post.
Thank you. I decided to follow Marilyn’s suggestion first to use G7 sensor without overpatch. I will see how long it lasts before I have to apply an overpatch. My other arm is still itchy and inflamed. I had a lot of success with G6 overpatch (good adherence and zero inflammation). I really wish Dexcom would make an over patch for G7 that is just like the one for G6 but with an opening the right size for G7.
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Hi Jane @JVG Here is a link to a Dexcom document they created for docs to help patients having trouble with the G6 adhesive. https://dexcompdf.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/HCP_Website/LBL017085_irritated_or_sensitive_skin_Rev002.pdf I assume it would all apply to the G7 also. It’s mostly what Marie said.
In 2023 Dexcom told the FDA they were changing the G7 patch material to “acrylic adhesive backed with nonwoven polyurethane (PU)” Originally the G7 had “Acrylic adhesive backed with non-woven polyester (NPET)”. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf23/K231081.pdf
Thanks, but I never had trouble with G6 adhesive. Also I used to order G6 overpatches directly from Dexcom. They lasted exactly 9-10 days before starting to peel off. There was never any irritation or trouble removing them. I really prefer G6 overpatch. I wish I had the option of G6 over patches with G7 opening.
I do think Dexcom changed the adhesive on G7. I don’t have an allergic reaction but i feel the adhesive works better. I use some SkinTac and don’t need the over patch anymore. Have changed about four times and has stayed on for the full 10 days. I’m sorry you are having such an adverse reaction. I heard of some people spraying Flonase on skin before applying. Good luck.
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Thank you, Jane. My name is Jane, also. Anyway, I decided to try Marilyn’s suggestion of omitting the overpatch entirely. So far so good - no itching and it is staying in place. Also I still have Dexcom G6 over patches and I think I can make it work if the G7 sensor starts to peel prematurely.
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That is good news. Didn’t like the over patch. I had FSL for awhile and it stayed on just fine.
Jane Cerullo
I often have some redness after pulling infusion set and occasionally after pulling a sensor. I attribute mine to pulling on skin or too much scratching. Itchiness is a general problem, not specific to adhesives.
You might try some of the commercial patches or even tape (I’ve used tegaderm and hypafix), if no overpatch doesn’t work.
Thanks, so far okay without over patch. I think if I need an over patch, I will adapt my leftover G6 over patches to the site and see how that works. I never experienced a problem with those.