If you've been prescribed Apidra SoloStar, you've probably noticed the box contains prefilled pens but no needles. That means you need to buy pen needles for Apidra SoloStar separately, and you'll go through them quickly because Apidra is a mealtime (rapid-acting) insulin that many people inject several times a day. This guide covers which needles fit, how to pick a size, and how to keep enough on hand.
Do Standard Pen Needles Fit Apidra SoloStar?
Yes. Apidra SoloStar is Sanofi's disposable prefilled pen, built on the same SoloStar platform as Lantus SoloStar and Toujeo SoloStar. It uses a standard threaded tip, so the widely sold screw-on pen needles from major brands such as BD (Ultra-Fine, Nano 2nd Gen) and NovoFine (NovoFine, NovoFine Plus) attach to it. If you already use needles on a Lantus pen, the same box works on your Apidra pen too. Our guide to pen needles for Lantus SoloStar covers the shared SoloStar design in more detail.
One thing to know: the pen and the needle are separate items. Your pharmacy may fill them as two different prescriptions or purchases, and it's easy to pick up pens without remembering needles.
Choosing a Length for Your Apidra SoloStar Pen Needles
Insulin is meant to go into the fat layer just under the skin, not into muscle. Current injection guidance from diabetes organizations favors short needles for most adults, regardless of body size:
- 4mm: The shortest common length. Usually injected straight in (90 degrees) without pinching skin, and it lowers the chance of hitting muscle.
- 5mm: A popular middle option. Some people prefer it if they've used it for years or find it more consistent for them.
- 6mm and 8mm: Still available and still used, but longer lengths may call for a skin pinch, especially in leaner areas.
If you're switching lengths, ask your healthcare provider or diabetes educator whether your technique should change. Never change your dose based on a needle switch.
Gauge: How Thin Should the Needle Be?
Gauge describes thickness, and a higher number means a thinner needle. Most modern pen needles are 31G or 32G. Thinner needles are often described as more comfortable, which matters with mealtime insulin you may inject three or more times a day. For a deeper look, see our gauge comparison guide.
Popular Options That Fit Apidra SoloStar
- NovoFine Plus 32G 4mm (100 count): Very short and thin, a good fit for frequent daily injections.
- BD Ultra-Fine 31G 5mm (100 count): A familiar, widely used size if you prefer a little extra length.
- Browse every size and brand in our pen needles collection.
How Many Needles Will You Need?
Pen needles are designed for single use. Reusing them dulls the tip, can make injections more uncomfortable, and can let insulin leak or air enter the cartridge. With a mealtime insulin, the math adds up fast: three injections a day is roughly 90 needles a month, before counting any doses of a long-acting insulin you take with a different pen. A 100-count box may only last about a month, so many people buy two or three boxes at a time.
Quick Checklist Before Each Apidra Injection
- Attach a new needle and remove both the outer and inner caps.
- Do a safety test (prime) as described in your pen's instructions.
- Inject into a clean site and rotate sites to avoid lumps.
- Hold the pen in place for the time listed in the pen's instructions before removing it.
- Remove the needle right away and drop it in a sharps container.
FAQ
Does Apidra SoloStar come with needles? No. The pens are sold without needles, so buy them separately.
Can I use the same needles on my Lantus or Toujeo pen? Yes. Standard threaded pen needles fit across the SoloStar family. Just use a fresh needle for each injection, on each pen.
Which length is best for me? Many adults do well with 4mm or 5mm, but follow your healthcare provider's advice for your specific situation.
Ready to restock? New customers can use code WELCOME10 at checkout for 10% off their order.
This article is for general information only. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for your insulin, dosing, and injection technique.
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