I just remembered Tandem in the past has said don’t use Tylenol. I’m having minor skin cancer removal surgery tomorrow and that doctor says Tylenol is about all I should need for pain once he’s done. Should I plan on something like Advil instead?
Hey, Tom!
First, good luck on your procedure tomorrow! 
As far as I know, the only problem we might have is with the liquid version, as it has sugar in it. There is not a big concern over it unless in large doses, and that would include Advil too.
Here’s some more info:
There can be problem with dexcom if you are using it. Just means your dexcom may report bad data.
Taking higher than the maximum dose of acetaminophen (e.g. > 1 gram every 6 hours in adults) may falsely raise your sensor glucose readings. (For G6. Link shows details for G4/G5).
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Yes Tylenol effects the dexcom data. That’s why Tandem says it’s contra indicated.
There are other pain killers your doctor can prescribe for pain that don’t have Tylenol or ibuprofen.
Not being affected by Tylenol/acetaminophen was one of the selling points of the G6 when it was introduced. Has something changed?
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Per dexcom website, lower dose can be used with G6.
G4/G5 sensors not so.
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Even then, it just made blood sugars seem a bit higher than they were. As someone who needs Tylenol sometimes, it was totally workable and predictable how it would effect G5 readings. It doesn’t seem to affect G6 accuracy for me or at least not noticeably.
You can take 3 regular strength Tylenol (325 mg acetaminophen) or 2 extra strength Tylenol (500 mg) every 6 hours 3 without it affecting Dexcom reliability.
Per their own website:
You can take a standard or maximum acetaminophen dose of 1 gram (1,000 mg) every 6 hours and still use Dexcom G6 system sensor readings to make treatment decisions.
Overcoming the interaction with both acetaminophen and vitamin C was a big sticking point with the FDA to achieve the coveted “iCGM” status, which is what allows the G6 to work with ACE (alternative controller enabled) pumps, like the T:slim X2 and Omnipod 5, in the semi-closed loop systems. It’s also why the Libre 2 is specifically contraindicated to be used with them, as it still retains those interaction pitfalls.
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