If you use a Lilly insulin pen, you may have noticed the box says pen needles are sold separately. Finding the right pen needles for KwikPen devices is easier than it looks: Lilly's KwikPen family uses the same standard screw-on needle connection as most US insulin pens, so one box of needles can usually cover every KwikPen you use. This guide covers which pens are in the family, which needles fit, how to choose a size, and how many to order.
Which Insulin Pens Are in the Lilly KwikPen Family?
KwikPen is Eli Lilly's line of prefilled, disposable insulin pens. Common KwikPens in the US include:
- Humalog KwikPen and Humalog Junior KwikPen (insulin lispro, mealtime)
- Insulin Lispro KwikPen (Lilly's unbranded lispro)
- Lyumjev KwikPen (insulin lispro-aabc, mealtime)
- Humalog Mix 75/25 and Mix 50/50 KwikPen (premixed)
- Humulin N, Humulin 70/30, and Humulin R U-500 KwikPen
- Basaglar KwikPen and Rezvoglar KwikPen (insulin glargine, long-acting)
These pens differ in insulin, concentration, and how they dial doses, but the needle end works the same way. Your dose and insulin schedule are set by your prescriber.
Which Pen Needles Fit KwikPen Insulin Pens?
KwikPens accept standard screw-on pen needles. Widely used brands such as BD Ultra-Fine, BD Nano 2nd Gen, NovoFine, and NovoFine Plus are commonly listed as compatible with major US insulin pens, including KwikPens. The needle brand doesn't need to match the pen brand: a BD or Novo Nordisk needle on a Lilly pen is a normal, everyday pairing. Your pen's Instructions for Use is the final word, and your pharmacist can confirm fit if you're unsure.
To attach a needle, pull off the paper tab, screw the needle on straight until snug, remove the outer cap (keep it for removal) and the inner cap, then prime the pen as your instructions describe.
Best Pen Needle Size for KwikPen Users
Needle size depends on you, not on which KwikPen you use. General injection guidance used by many diabetes educators:
- 4mm, 32G: long enough for most adults to reach the fat layer under the skin when injected at 90 degrees, with a lower chance of hitting muscle. The NovoFine Plus 32G 4mm 100-count box is a popular pick.
- 5mm, 31G: a familiar short option many KwikPen users already know. See BD Ultra-Fine 31G 5mm (100-count).
- 6mm or 8mm: some people use these out of habit or on a provider's advice, sometimes with a pinched skin fold.
A higher gauge number means a thinner needle, which many people find more comfortable. A bigger dose doesn't automatically call for a longer needle; length is about reaching the right tissue. Holding the needle in the skin for the time your pen's instructions state matters more for getting the full dose. Any change in needle length or technique should follow your healthcare provider's advice.
How Many Pen Needles Do You Need?
Use a new needle for every injection and remove it right after. Many people use two KwikPens, such as Basaglar once a day plus Humalog with meals, and the same box of needles works for both.
- 1 injection a day: about 30–35 needles a month (a 100-count box lasts about three months)
- 4 injections a day: about 120+ needles a month
If you inject several times a day, the NovoFine Plus 3-box value pack (300 needles) lowers the cost per needle and means fewer reorders.
Pen-Specific Guides
Want details for one pen? Read our guides for Humalog KwikPen, Basaglar KwikPen, Lyumjev KwikPen, and Humulin N KwikPen.
KwikPen Needle Checklist
- Check that the pen label and insulin match your prescription.
- Choose a short needle (4mm or 5mm suits most adults) in a fine gauge (31G or 32G).
- Count injections per day across all your pens, multiply by 30, and add a small buffer.
- Prime before each injection as your pen's instructions describe.
- Never store the pen with a needle attached, and never share pens or needles.
- Put used needles in a sharps container.
FAQ
Does Lilly make its own pen needles for KwikPen?
You don't need a Lilly-branded needle. Standard screw-on pen needles from major brands fit KwikPens.
Can I use the same needles on Humalog and Basaglar KwikPens?
Yes. Just use a fresh needle for each injection.
Do I need a prescription for pen needles?
Rules vary by state and insurance plan, so check with your pharmacy if you plan to use insurance.
Browse every size in our pen needles collection, and use code WELCOME10 at checkout for 10% off.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for your insulin, dose, and injection technique.
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