Pen Needles for Basaglar KwikPen: Which Fit and What Size to Buy

If you've just been prescribed Basaglar, one of the first questions is what needles to buy. Like most disposable insulin pens in the US, the Basaglar KwikPen doesn't come with needles in the box, so you'll need to buy pen needles for Basaglar KwikPen separately. The good news: it uses standard screw-on pen needles, so you have plenty of choices. This guide covers which needles fit, which length and gauge to choose, and how many to order.

Do Standard Pen Needles Fit the Basaglar KwikPen?

Yes. The Basaglar KwikPen is a prefilled, disposable insulin glargine pen made by Eli Lilly. It has a standard threaded tip, the same style used on other Lilly KwikPens such as Humalog. That means common screw-on pen needles from major brands, including BD Ultra-Fine, BD Nano, and NovoFine Plus, are widely used with it.

Before you buy, check the needle box. Most major brands list the pens they're designed to fit. Your pen's Instructions for Use is the final word on compatibility, and your pharmacist can confirm it if you're unsure.

Best Needle Length and Gauge for Basaglar KwikPen

Basaglar is injected into the fatty tissue under the skin (subcutaneous), not into muscle. For most adults, a short needle reaches that layer reliably.

• 4mm, 32G: the shortest, thinnest common option. Current injection-technique guidance generally supports 4mm needles for most adults regardless of body size, and many people find them the most comfortable. NovoFine Plus 32G 4mm and BD Nano 2nd Gen 32G 4mm fall in this group.
• 5mm, 31G: a popular middle ground if you prefer a slightly longer needle.
• 6mm and 8mm: longer options some people have used for years. Longer needles may call for a pinched skin fold or an angled injection, especially in lean areas.

Higher gauge numbers mean thinner needles, so 32G is thinner than 31G or 30G. For a deeper look at sizing, see our guide on whether you need to pinch the skin with a 4mm pen needle. Your healthcare provider can recommend the right size for you.

How Many Pen Needles Do You Need for Basaglar?

Each pen needle is single-use, so plan on one new needle per injection. Basaglar is a long-acting (basal) insulin that many people inject once a day, but your schedule is set by your prescriber. Some quick math:

• 1 injection a day: about 30 needles a month, so a 100-count box lasts roughly three months.
• 2 injections a day: about 60 needles a month, so a 100-count box lasts about seven weeks.
• Using a mealtime insulin pen too? Count those injections as well, since every pen needs its own fresh needle.

If you use several pens a day, a larger value pack can lower your cost per needle. You can compare all sizes in our pen needles collection.

Attaching a Pen Needle to Your Basaglar KwikPen

Lilly's Instructions for Use walk through each step, but the basics are similar for most pens:

1. Wash your hands and check the insulin label so you have the right pen.
2. Wipe the rubber seal with an alcohol swab.
3. Peel the paper tab off a new needle and screw it straight onto the pen until snug. Don't overtighten.
4. Remove the outer cap (save it) and the inner needle cover (discard it).
5. Prime the pen as described in the Instructions for Use so you can see insulin at the needle tip.
6. After injecting, recap with the outer cap, unscrew the needle, and put it in a sharps container.

Removing the needle after each use helps keep air out and insulin from leaking, and it means you start every dose with a sharp, sterile needle.

Quick Buying Checklist

• Screw-on (threaded) pen needles from a major brand
• Length and gauge your provider recommended (4mm 32G is a common starting point)
• Enough needles for one per injection, across all your pens
• Factory-sealed boxes with a clear expiration date
• A sharps container for safe disposal

FAQ

Do Basaglar KwikPen needles come with the pen? No. Pen needles are sold separately, so order them along with your first prescription.

Can I use NovoFine needles on a Lilly pen? NovoFine and NovoFine Plus are standard threaded needles and are widely used on Lilly KwikPens. Check the box for listed compatible pens.

Do I need a prescription for pen needles? In most US states you can buy pen needles without one, though rules vary by state and insurance plans often need a prescription to cover them.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Follow your healthcare provider's guidance on needle size, injection technique, and your insulin schedule. Ready to stock up? Use code WELCOME10 for 10% off your order.