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Medicines and devices

Pen needle

A pen needle is a small, disposable needle that screws onto a multi-dose injection pen, such as Ozempic or Saxenda, and is replaced for every injection.

Clinician review pending Updated Medicines and devices
DefinitionA pen needle is a small, disposable needle that screws onto a multi-dose injection pen, such as Ozempic or Saxenda, and is replaced for every injection.

What it means

Multi-dose pens hold several doses and do not come with a built-in needle. Before each injection you attach a new pen needle, remove its caps, and, for a new pen, check the flow as the instructions describe.

Some pens include needles in the box; others need them on a separate prescription. Needles come in several lengths and thicknesses. Your pharmacist can tell you which ones fit your pen.

Use a new needle every time. Reusing needles dulls them and raises the risk of infection and clogging. Never share a pen with anyone, even if you change the needle, because blood can get into the cartridge.

After the injection, remove the needle and put it straight into an FDA-cleared sharps container or a heavy-duty plastic container, as the FDA describes. Local rules for disposal vary.

Why it matters

Running out of pen needles is a common reason people miss doses on daily or multi-dose pens.

Related terms

AutoinjectorSubcutaneous injectionInjection siteOzempic how to take itSaxenda how to take it

Sources

  1. FDA: Safely using sharps at home, work and travel

Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error