Living with diabetes FAQs

BD pen needles can be used with leading diabetes medication pens. They are also tested in accordance with ISO standards for compatibility.*

Learn more about the BD Nano™ 4mm pen needle

Yes. BD pen needles can be used with all leading diabetes medication pens, including Novo Nordisk devices. They are also tested in accordance with ISO standards for compatibility.*

Learn more about the BD Nano™ 4mm pen needle

BD currently offers pen needles in the following lengths and gauges:

• 4 mm x 32 G
• 5 mm x 31 G
• 8 mm x 31 G
• 12.7 mm x 29 G

However, you should know that the latest recommendations from diabetes experts published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings say that the shortest needles (currently, the 4-mm pen and 6-mm insulin syringe needles)^†,‡ are suitable for all patient categories.^1,‡

All BD products are available at national retailers. Ask your pharmacist today. If a particular item is not available, your pharmacist can order it.

You and your pharmacist can use the diabetes care card to keep track of your injection supplies and make sure you get the pen needles and insulin syringes that are prescribed for you.

The cost for BD products is set by the retailer, so it varies from store to store.

Yes. They are covered by virtually all insurance plans at the preferred co-pay.^§ BD pen needles and insulin syringes are also covered on selected Medicare Part D national plans (available in all 50 states) at the preferred co-pay.

Learn more about the BD Nano™ 4mm pen needle

Learn more about the BD insulin syringes with the BD Ultra-Fine™ 6mm needle

In many cases, local communities establish disposal rules. You can check with your local town, trash removal company or health department. In general, you should adhere to the following guidelines:

• Never throw loose needles or lancets into the trash. If you are disposing of your own needle, clip the needle with a device such as the BD Safe-Clip™ needle clipper, which can be ordered through your pharmacy.
• Never handle someone else's needle unless a healthcare professional trains you in proper injection technique and disposal. If you inject someone else or dispose of their needle, use extreme caution to avoid needlesticks, which can transmit serious infections.
• Never recap or destroy a needle that has been used by someone else. Immediately after injection, place the used needle in a proper container.
• Put the used needle into a BD home sharps container or check with your local sanitation or health department regarding rules about proper disposal of used needles and sharps containers. Keep this container away from children. When the container is full, seal the lid securely and dispose of it properly.
• Never dispose of used needles or other medical waste in recyclable trash.

Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for more information

Currently, PentaPoint Comfort is available on BD pen needles but not on BD insulin syringes.

Learn more about the BD Nano™ 4mm pen needle

Learn more about other BD pen needles

PentaPoint Comfort is available on 31-G and 32-G pen needles in 4-mm, 5-mm and 8-mm lengths.

Learn more about the BD Nano™ 4mm pen needle

Learn more about other BD pen needles

BD currently offers U-100 insulin syringes with BD Ultra-Fine™ needles in the following sizes:

• 1 mL (100 unit)
• 1/2 mL (50 unit)
• 3/10 mL (30 unit)
• 3/10 mL (30 unit) with half-unit markings

Learn more about the BD insulin syringe with the BD Ultra-Fine 6mm needle

Learn more about other BD insulin syringes

BD also offers a U-500 insulin syringe with the BD Ultra-Fine 6mm needle in the following size:

• 1/2 mL (250 unit)

• Learn more about the BD U-500 insulin syringe with the BD Ultra-Fine 6mm needle