Know Your Pen Needles

Getting more comfortable with injecting.
If you have concerns about using an injectable medicine for your diabetes, you’re not alone. Many people living with diabetes have a fear of injections. Learning more about needles may help you get over the hurdle of injecting. 

Why one needle might be a better fit than another.
Needles come in all different sizes—there are a lot of options to choose from. Health care providers and pharmacists can help recommend the right needle for you. Here are some things you should know:

  • Needle length
    Needles come in all different lengths. NovoFine® Plus is 4 mm in length, our shortest insulin pen needle currently available. Although its size may suggest otherwise, when compared with longer and thicker needles, a 4 mm needle effectively delivers insulin regardless of patient body mass index (BMI). However, everyone is different and there are several factors that are considered to determine the appropriate needle length for you. Talk to your doctor to find out which type of needle is best for you.
NovoFine® Plus vs standard pen needle
  • Needle gauge
    You can tell a needle’s thickness by looking at its gauge (G). You might think the higher the number, the thicker the needle, but it’s actually the opposite. The higher the number, the thinner the needle is. For example, 32G needles, like those available with NovoFine® and NovoFine® Plus, are thinner than a 27G needle. These needles are also designed with SuperFlow™ technology, which improves flow rates and helps to reduce injection force.

NovoFine® and NovoFine® Plus needles—some of the shortest and thinnest needles available from Novo Nordisk.

Risks of reusing needles.
Do not reuse or share your needles with other people. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.

Always use a new needle for each injection. Reusing needles may cause damage to the needle, infection, or blocked needles. Always remove and safely discard the needle after each injection.

Disposing of needles responsibly.
Used needles should never be thrown away with ordinary trash. Doing so could lead to accidental needlesticks. Instead, dispose of them in a special “sharps” container, or a puncture-proof, clearly marked container, like an empty detergent bottle. Dispose of them in accordance with your local health regulations. Needles like NovoFine® Autocover® are designed with a safety shield, which helps prevent accidental needlesticksa; however, all needles should be disposed of as outlined above.

How and where to inject.
Always be sure to consult with your health care provider for recommendations on injection sites. 
Talk to your health care provider about the injection sites and rotation routine and if you should pinch your skin when injecting.


aNeedlesticks may occur at the needle base.

Additional information

Cornerstones4Care® gives you support and management tools built around you, wherever you are in your diabetes journey.

Find out if you are eligible for a FREE box of Novo Nordisk needles.