Do Pen Needles Fit Every Pen? What "Type A" Means
Most refillable insulin and GLP-1 pens take standard Type A pen needles, so a Type A needle like Pip Pen Needles screws right on. Pens with a built-in needle, like single-dose autoinjectors, don't take pen needles at all. Not sure about yours? Use our Pen Needle Fit Checker.
What is a Type A pen needle?
"Type A" is the common connection used by most injection pens sold in the US. It traces back to ISO 11608, the international standard for pen injectors and pen needles, which sets the size and thread of the tip where a needle screws onto a pen, so a Type A needle from one brand fits a Type A pen from another.
That is why you can buy pen needles separately from your medication, and why your pharmacy may carry several brands.
Are Pip Pen Needles FDA-cleared?
Yes. Pip Pen Needles are FDA-cleared. They are made by our manufacturing partner under an FDA 510(k) clearance for pen needles used with a pen injector to give an injection under the skin. Pip imports and sells them in the US.
Which pens take pen needles?
If your pen has a cap you screw a new needle onto before each shot, it takes pen needles. Common examples:
- GLP-1 pens: Ozempic pen, Zepbound KwikPen, Mounjaro KwikPen, Wegovy FlexTouch, Victoza, Saxenda
- Insulin pens: Lantus SoloStar, Toujeo SoloStar, Basaglar KwikPen, Humalog KwikPen, Lyumjev KwikPen, Admelog SoloStar, NovoLog FlexPen, Fiasp FlexTouch, Tresiba FlexTouch
- Other: Norditropin FlexPro, Soliqua, Xultophy
Which pens don't?
Single-dose pens with a hidden, built-in needle don't use pen needles. You click, inject and throw the whole pen away. These include:
- Mounjaro single-dose pen
- Zepbound single-dose pen
- Wegovy single-dose pen
- Trulicity pen
Some medicines now come in both styles. Mounjaro and Zepbound, for example, are sold as a single-dose pen and as a multi-dose KwikPen. Only the KwikPen needs pen needles, so check which one you have.
Why does my pen's guide name a specific brand?
Pen makers often name their own needles, or a brand they work with, in the instructions. Some list several brands. That is a recommendation. It doesn't mean other Type A needles won't attach. If you're switching brands for the first time, ask your pharmacist, especially if your pen gives very small doses.
Does Ozempic come with needles?
Yes. Each Ozempic pen box includes a small number of needles, which may not last until your next refill. Many people buy extra needles to keep on hand.
Which needle size should I choose?
Pip Pen Needles come in two sizes:
- Mighty Fine: 32G x 4mm
- So Fine: 31G x 5mm
Ask your doctor or pharmacist which length is right for you.
How to use a pen needle
- Wash your hands and check your pen's label.
- Peel the paper tab off a new needle.
- Screw the needle straight onto the pen until it's snug.
- Remove the outer cap (keep it) and the inner needle cover. Always take off both covers before you inject. If the inner cover stays on, no medicine gets in.
- Prime and inject as your pen's guide shows.
- Put the outer cap back on, unscrew the needle and drop it in a sharps container.
Use a new needle for every injection.
Check your pen in 10 seconds
Pick your pen in our Pen Needle Fit Checker for a clear yes or no.
Pip Pen Needles are FSA/HSA eligible, and you can subscribe and save 10%.
Always follow your pen's instructions and ask your pharmacist which needle is right for you. Pip is not affiliated with the makers of these pens. Brand names are trademarks of their owners.
