GlucoRx CarePoint Insulin Pen Needles 8mm 31G are pen needles for injecting insulin with an insulin pen. This pack contains 100 needles, so it covers a regular supply of single-use needles, and the manufacturer states they fit all insulin pen devices.

Key Features

• 8mm needle length: The 8mm length is one of the sizes in the CarePoint range, which runs from 4mm to 12mm. GlucoRx advises that your healthcare professional should help choose the most suitable length for you.
• Universal pen fit: GlucoRx states the needles fit all insulin pen devices.
• Single use: Each needle is for one injection only, because reusing a needle can cause bacterial growth, dull the tip and make injections more painful.
• 100 needle pack: The pack holds 100 needles.
• Practical injection guidance: GlucoRx publishes a leaflet covering priming, injection sites, counting to 10 before withdrawing the needle, and disposing of needles in a sharps container.

Which needle length is right for me?

GlucoRx advises that your healthcare team should help choose the most suitable needle length and insulin pen, depending on the insulin you use, how easy the pen is to operate and your build. Shorter needles of 4, 5 or 6mm are reported to give lower-pain injections. Do not change needle length without asking your doctor or nurse.

Do I need to pinch the skin with an 8mm needle?

Depending on needle length and build, one of two methods may be used: with or without a lifted skin fold. A lifted skin fold is made by pinching the skin between thumb and index finger, avoiding blood vessels and muscle, and injecting at a 90 degree angle. Ask your healthcare professional which method suits you.

Can I reuse a pen needle?

No. GlucoRx states that a needle should never be reused. Reuse can cause bacterial growth on the needle, dull the tip so injections are more painful, and carries a risk of the needle breaking off or dislodging in the skin. Use a new needle for each injection to help avoid blockages.

Materials: The materials of the needle are not stated in the sources available.

Specification: 31G needle, 8mm length, 100 needles per pack.

Follow the instructions for your insulin pen, and ask your healthcare team which needle length and injection method suit you.

1. Load an insulin pen cartridge if necessary, then remove the seal from a new pen needle and attach it to the pen using the outer protective cap.
2. Remove the outer cap, then the inner cap. Cloudy or premixed insulin should be gently rolled at least 10 times between your palms first.
3. Prime the pen to clear air bubbles and make sure insulin flows freely through the needle.
4. Dial the exact dose. Some pens need gentle shaking before use.
5. Choose a clean site, commonly the stomach, thighs or buttocks. Do not inject through clothes or where blood vessels are visible, and keep successive injections at least 1cm apart.
6. Check the needle is attached securely but not too tightly, so the dose button can be fully pressed. Insert the needle quickly, inject slowly into the layer under the skin while counting to 10, then withdraw.
7. If self-injecting, carefully replace the outer cap, then detach the needle and discard it straight away in a sharps container, following local medical waste rules.

Please note the following:

• Never reuse a pen needle.
• Never share your insulin pen with anyone, because of the risk of cross contamination.
• Do not carry an insulin pen with the needle attached, as air can enter the cartridge and slow the dose.
• Avoid injecting into lumps, or into areas showing lipohypertrophy, swelling, inflammation or infection. Insulin does not absorb well there.
• Insulin injected into muscle may not be absorbed properly and can cause high or low blood sugar.
• Ask your healthcare professional about injection technique if you bleed frequently.
• Do not miss your scheduled insulin injections, as this can affect your blood glucose levels.

Effects described by GlucoRx at the injection site include:

• Small amounts of bleeding or bruising, which can be reduced by applying light pressure without rubbing.
• Pain, which can be linked to reusing a needle.
• Leakage of insulin from the pen or skin after the needle is removed.
• Lipohypertrophy, soft lumps under the skin, which can be linked to needle reuse. Rotating injection sites helps prevent it.
• Lipoatrophy, a loss of fat under the skin, which is rare.

This list is not exhaustive.