NovoFine Needles 6mm 31G are single-use disposable pen needles from Novo Nordisk, supplied as a pack of 100. They are used with Novo Nordisk disposable insulin pens such as FlexPen, which accepts NovoFine needles up to a length of 8 mm, so this 6mm needle is within the length limit the FlexPen leaflet gives.

Key Features

• 6mm length, 31G: The needle is 6mm long and 31 gauge, and falls within the 8 mm maximum needle length stated for Novo Nordisk FlexPen.
• Screw-on fit: The needle screws straight and tightly onto the pen, and the large outer cap is kept so the used needle can be covered and unscrewed without touching it.
• Single use: Novo Nordisk's FlexPen leaflet says to use a new needle for every injection to reduce the risk of contamination, infection, insulin leakage, blocked needles and inaccurate dosing.
• Pack of 100: The pack contains 100 needles, one for each injection.

Which pens can I use NovoFine needles with?

The Novo Nordisk FlexPen leaflet says FlexPen is designed to be used with NovoFine or NovoTwist disposable needles up to a length of 8 mm. For any other pen, check the instructions that came with that pen to confirm which needles it accepts.

What should I do if no drop of insulin appears at the needle tip?

The FlexPen leaflet says a drop of insulin should appear at the needle tip when you check the flow. If it does not, change the needle and repeat the check no more than 6 times. If a drop still does not appear, the pen is defective and you must use a new one. No drop can mean the needle is blocked or damaged.

Should I leave the needle on the pen between injections?

No. The FlexPen leaflet says to remove the needle after each injection and store the pen without a needle attached, to reduce the risk of contamination, infection, leakage of insulin, blocked needles and inaccurate dosing.

Specification: 6mm needle length, 31G gauge. Pack of 100 disposable needles.

Materials: Novo Nordisk does not publish a materials list for NovoFine needles in the UK sources available.

The steps below follow the Novo Nordisk FlexPen leaflet. Always follow the instructions supplied with your own pen, and use the injection technique shown by your doctor or nurse.

1. Pull off the pen cap.
2. Remove the paper tab from a new needle and screw the needle straight and tightly onto the pen.
3. Pull off the large outer needle cap and keep it for later. Pull off the inner needle cap and dispose of it. Never put the inner cap back on the needle.
4. Check the insulin flow before each injection: select 2 units, hold the pen with the needle pointing upwards, tap the cartridge gently so air bubbles collect at the top, then press the push-button all the way in. A drop of insulin should appear at the needle tip.
5. Select your dose and insert the needle into your skin.
6. Press the push-button all the way in until 0 lines up with the pointer. Keep it fully pressed and leave the needle under the skin for at least 6 seconds, then withdraw the needle and release the button.
7. Guide the needle into the large outer cap without touching it. Push the cap on fully, unscrew the needle and dispose of it carefully, then put the pen cap back on.

Store the pen without a needle attached.

Please note the following:

• Use a new needle for each injection. Reusing a needle increases the risk of contamination, infection, leakage of insulin, blocked needles and inaccurate dosing.
• Never share your pen or your needles with other people, as it might lead to cross-infection.
• Never try to put the inner needle cap back on the needle, as you may stick yourself.
• Be careful not to bend or damage the needle before use.
• Caregivers must be very careful when handling used needles to reduce the risk of needle sticks and cross-infection.
• Always keep your pen and needles out of sight and reach of others, especially children.
• Always check that a drop of insulin appears at the needle tip before you inject. If you do not, you may get too little insulin or none at all, which may lead to a high blood sugar level.