GlucoRx CarePoint Insulin Pen Needles 4mm 32G 100 pack are single-use pen needles for injecting insulin with an insulin pen. The manufacturer says they fit all insulin pen devices, so one pack can be used with any compatible pen you have been prescribed. At 4mm they are one of the shorter lengths in the CarePoint range, which runs from 4mm to 12mm.

Key Features

• Universal fit: GlucoRx states the needles fit all insulin pen devices.
• 4mm length: Shorter needles are reported to give lower-pain injections, and the leaflet says 4mm is mostly used in children, and 4, 5 or 6mm in adults depending on the injection site.
• 3 bevel tip: The CarePoint 4mm uses a 3 bevel tip, while the 4mm FinePoint is a 5 bevel needle.
• Reduced injection time without fragmentation: The manufacturer lists this alongside enhanced ease of injection as a key feature.
• 100 needles per pack: Each needle is for one injection only.

Which pens do CarePoint needles fit?

GlucoRx states that CarePoint needles have a universal fit on all insulin pen devices. Check your pen's own instructions when attaching a needle.

What length of needle should I use?

The leaflet advises that your healthcare team should help choose the most suitable needle length and pen for you. Needle length depends on factors such as the insulin you use and your build.

Can I reuse a pen needle?

No. The manufacturer says never to reuse a pen needle, because reuse can cause bacterial growth on the needle, blunt the tip, make injections more painful and risk the needle breaking off or dislodging in your skin.

How do I dispose of used needles?

Detach the pen needle and discard it straight away in a sharps container, following your local medical waste disposal rules.

Materials: The manufacturer's information available for this product does not state the materials.

Always follow your insulin pen manufacturer's instructions when preparing your pen. Your healthcare team should help you choose the right needle length and injection technique.

1. Load an insulin cartridge into the pen if your pen needs one.
2. Remove the new pen needle seal and attach the needle to the pen using the outer protective cap.
3. Remove the outer cap, then the inner cap.
4. Gently roll cloudy or premixed insulin between your palms at least 10 times to mix it.
5. Prime the pen to clear air bubbles and make sure insulin flows through the needle.
6. Dial the exact dose. Some pens need gentle shaking first.
7. Make sure your hands and injection site are clean. Avoid injecting through clothing or where blood vessels are visible. Common sites are the stomach, thighs and buttocks.
8. Check the needle is attached securely, but not too tightly, so you can press the dose button fully.
9. Push the needle in quickly at 90° and inject slowly, counting to 10, with your muscles relaxed. Pinch up a skin fold if your healthcare professional advises it.
10. Withdraw the needle, then press gently on the site if it bleeds. Do not rub.
11. Detach the needle and discard it immediately in a sharps container.

Space successive injections at least 1 cm apart.

Follow these precautions when using pen needles:

• Never reuse a pen needle. Use a new one for every injection.
• Never share your insulin pen with anyone, because of the risk of cross contamination.
• Never carry an insulin pen with a needle already attached. The leaflet says this lets air enter the cartridge.
• Avoid injection sites with lipohypertrophy (lumpy skin), oedema, inflammation or infection until the problem is resolved.
• Never inject into lumps, because insulin does not absorb well there.
• Insulin injected into muscle may not be absorbed properly and can cause high or low blood sugar.
• Speak to your healthcare professional if you bleed often at injection sites.

The manufacturer's leaflet describes these effects at the injection site:

• Bleeding: a small amount of blood can appear if the needle punctures a tiny blood vessel. Press lightly without rubbing to avoid bruising.
• Bruising: if a bruise appears, do not use that injection site again until it has gone.
• Leakage: insulin may drip from the needle or skin after the needle is removed.
• Lipohypertrophy: soft, lump-like swellings under the skin, which rotating injection sites helps to prevent.

This list may not be complete. Speak to your healthcare professional if you have any concerns.