You picked up your first Forteo pen, opened the carton, and found no needles. That's normal. The Forteo (teriparatide) pen is a multi-dose pen that uses a separate screw-on needle for every injection, and the needles are sold separately. This guide explains which pen needles for Forteo pen users can buy, what size the pen's instructions point to, how many you'll need for each pen, and a few handling tips that keep the pen working well.
Does the Forteo Pen Come With Needles?
No. Forteo's patient information states that needles are not included with the pen, so you'll need to buy pen needles separately, either through your pharmacy or from a medical supply store. Pharmacy-focused training materials list Forteo alongside pens like Victoza and Humalog KwikPen as products that come without needles, and they note that missing needles can lead to delayed doses. The simplest fix is to order needles at the same time you fill your first prescription.
Which Pen Needles Fit the Forteo Pen?
Forteo's pen user manual names Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) pen needles for use with the pen, and an earlier US version of the manual listed BD needles from 29 to 31 gauge. The Forteo pen uses the standard screw-on connection found on most US injection pens, so BD's short pen needles are a natural match.
- BD Ultra-Fine 31G 5mm, 100-count box: a BD needle that sits within the 29 to 31 gauge range the manual described, with a short 5mm length.
- BD Nano 2nd Gen 32G 4mm, 100-count: an even shorter, thinner BD needle. Because it's 32G, check with your pharmacist or provider before using it with your Forteo pen.
Your pen's current Instructions for Use is the final word. If you use a generic teriparatide pen rather than brand-name Forteo, read that pen's own instructions, since needle guidance and other details can differ between devices. For a broader look at which devices need separate needles, see our guide to which injection pens need pen needles.
What Size Pen Needle for Forteo?
Forteo is injected under the skin (subcutaneously), into the thigh or abdomen. Widely used injection technique guidance favors short needles for most adults, because they reach the fat layer under the skin with less chance of going into muscle.
- Gauge: the number describes thickness. Higher numbers are thinner, so 31G is thinner than 29G.
- Length: 5mm is a common short length. A 5mm needle is usually inserted straight in at 90 degrees for most adults.
- Your provider decides: if your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist taught you a specific needle length or technique, follow that advice.
How Many Pen Needles Do You Need for Forteo?
The Forteo pen holds 28 days of medicine, and the instructions say to throw the pen away after 28 days, even if some medicine seems left over. With a new needle for every injection, that works out to:
- Per pen: about 28 needles, plus a few spares for a dropped or bent needle
- Per month: about 28 to 31 needles
- One 100-count box: roughly three pens, or about three months
At Zahrun, the BD Ultra-Fine 31G 5mm 100-count box is currently $54.95, about $0.55 per needle, or roughly $15 to $17 a month in needles (prices can change, so check the product page). Pen needles are generally an eligible FSA/HSA expense; check with your plan administrator.
Forteo Pen Needle Checklist
- Order pen needles before your first dose; they aren't in the carton.
- Peel the paper tab, screw the needle on straight, and remove both the outer cap and the thin inner cap.
- Use a new needle for every injection.
- Remove the needle after each injection. Don't store the pen with a needle attached.
- Put the pen back in the refrigerator right after use, as the instructions describe.
- Put used needles in a sharps container or a sturdy, lidded plastic container, not loose in the trash.
- Never share your pen or needles with anyone.
FAQ
Do Forteo needles have to be BD brand?
The manual names BD pen needles. Other standard screw-on needles may also fit, but confirm with your pharmacist before switching brands.
Can I reuse a needle for tomorrow's injection?
No. Pen needles are single-use. Reusing one can dull the tip, clog the needle, and raise infection risk.
Do I need a prescription for pen needles?
Rules vary by state and by whether insurance is paying. Many people buy pen needles without a prescription when paying out of pocket.
Compare every brand and length in our pen needles collection. New customers can use code WELCOME10 for 10% off their order.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for your medication, needle size, and injection technique.
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