GlucoRx Insulin Pen Needles 31G 6mm 100 Pack contains 100 single-use needles that attach to an insulin pen for subcutaneous insulin injections. The needles are 31G in thickness and 6mm long, and GlucoRx states they fit all insulin pen devices, so one pack can be used across compatible pens.

Key Features

• Universal fit: GlucoRx states the needles fit all insulin pen devices.
• 6mm needle length: In adults, 6mm needles can be used with or without a lifted skin fold depending on the injection site. GlucoRx advises that your healthcare team should help choose the most suitable needle length for you.
• Single use, 100 per pack: Each needle is for one injection only, so a pack gives 100 separate injections.
• Inner and outer protective caps: The needle is covered by an outer and an inner cap, which are removed in turn before injecting.

Which insulin pens do GlucoRx pen needles fit?

GlucoRx states that its insulin pen needles have a universal fit on all insulin pen devices. Always refer to your pen manufacturer's instructions when preparing your pen for use.

Do I need to pinch up a skin fold with a 6mm needle?

In adults, 4mm, 5mm and 6mm needles can be used without a lifted skin fold, depending on the injection site. If you are injecting into slim limbs or the abdomen, even short needles may warrant a lifted skin fold. Ask your healthcare professional which technique suits you.

Can I reuse a pen needle?

No. Never reuse a pen needle. GlucoRx warns that reuse can cause bacterial growth on the needle and dull the tip, which can lead to a painful injection and a risk of the needle breaking off or dislodging in your skin.

How long should I leave the needle in the skin?

Inject slowly while counting up to 10, and keep the needle under the skin for that count before withdrawing it. If the needle is removed too fast, insulin may leak out and affect the dose delivered.

Pack contents: 100 pen needles, 31G, 6mm.

Materials: The manufacturer information reviewed does not state what the needles are made from.

Your healthcare team should help choose the most suitable needle length and insulin pen for you. Always refer to your pen manufacturer's instructions when preparing the pen.

1. Wash and dry your hands. Load an insulin pen cartridge if necessary.
2. Remove the seal from a new pen needle and attach it to your pen using the outer protective cap.
3. Remove the outer cap, then the inner cap. Remove the caps carefully so the needle does not bend.
4. If you use cloudy or premixed insulin, gently roll it at least 10 times between your palms to mix it thoroughly.
5. Prime the pen to clear air bubbles and make sure insulin flows freely through the needle.
6. Dial in the exact dose. Check the needle is attached securely, but not too tight, so you can fully press down the dose button.
7. Make sure your hands and the injection site are clean. The stomach, thighs and buttocks are common sites. Avoid injecting through clothes or where there are visible blood vessels.
8. Use a lifted skin fold if your healthcare professional advises it, or if you are using a needle longer than 4mm in a child or longer than 8mm in an adult. To lift a skin fold, pinch the skin between your thumb and index finger without including blood vessels or muscle, and inject at a 90 degree angle.
9. Insert the needle quickly, then inject slowly while counting up to 10 before withdrawing it. Release any skin fold pinch before removing the needle.
10. Carefully replace the outer cap (if self-injecting only), detach the needle and discard it straight away in a sharps container according to your local medical waste disposal rules.

Space successive injections at least 1 cm apart and rotate your injection sites. Never carry an insulin pen with the needle already attached, as this lets air into the cartridge and slows the insulin dosage time. Keep your pen and pen needles separate until you are ready to inject.

Please note the following safety information:

• Never reuse a pen needle. Reuse can cause bacterial growth on the needle and dull the tip, resulting in a painful injection and a risk of the needle breaking off or dislodging in your skin.
• Never share your insulin pen with anyone because of the risk of cross contamination.
• Dispose of used needles immediately in a sharps container.
• Ask your healthcare team to choose the most suitable needle length for you. Insulin accidentally injected into muscle tissue will not be absorbed properly and may be painful and cause high or low blood sugars.
• Avoid injecting into lumps, and avoid sites showing signs of lipohypertrophy (lumpy skin due to swelling of fatty tissue), oedema, inflammation or infection until the problem is resolved, because insulin does not absorb well there.
• Do not forget your scheduled insulin injections, as this can affect your glucose levels and overall health.

The manufacturer's leaflet describes the following injection-related effects:

• Bleeding: It is not unusual for the needle to puncture a tiny blood vessel so some blood appears. Press lightly on the site with a cotton ball without rubbing, to prevent bruising. If a bruise appears, do not use that site again until it goes. If you bleed frequently, speak to your healthcare professional.
• Leakage: Insulin may drip from the needle after removal. This should not affect your blood glucose control, but leaving the needle in for a slow count of 10 helps.
• Skin changes at the injection site: Lipohypertrophy (soft, grape-like lumps under the skin) can develop from insulin reaction or needle reuse. Rotating injection sites helps prevent it.
• Pain: Injection pain can occur. Speak to your doctor about needle size, pen or injection site if injections hurt.

This list may not include every possible effect.