Pen Needles for Lantus SoloStar: Which Fit and What Size to Buy

If you use a Lantus SoloStar pen, the box of insulin pens doesn't come with needles. You have to buy them separately, and the choices can be confusing. This guide explains which pen needles for Lantus SoloStar fit, how to pick a length and gauge, and how many to keep on hand. The same basics apply to Toujeo SoloStar and other Sanofi SoloStar pens.

Do Lantus SoloStar Pens Come With Pen Needles?

No. Lantus SoloStar is a prefilled, disposable insulin pen, and needles are sold separately. Many people pick them up with their pharmacy order or buy them online. The Lantus instructions call for a new sterile needle for every injection, so plan on one needle per shot.

Which Pen Needles Fit Lantus SoloStar?

SoloStar pens use the standard screw-on needle connection found on most US insulin and GLP-1 pens. That means the major "universal" brands are designed to fit:

• BD pen needles, such as BD Nano 2nd Gen and BD Ultra-Fine
• NovoFine and NovoFine Plus pen needles from Novo Nordisk
• Other standard screw-on pen needles that list SoloStar or "most pens" on the box

Even though the needles are made by different companies, the thread is the same. The simple rule is to check the compatibility statement on the needle box and, if in doubt, ask your pharmacist.

Choosing Needle Length and Gauge for Lantus SoloStar

Lantus is injected into the fatty layer under the skin, not into muscle. Current injection guidance generally favors shorter needles, and 4mm to 5mm needles work for most adults, regardless of body size. Shorter needles also lower the chance of accidentally injecting into muscle.

• 4mm, 32G: The shortest and thinnest common option. Many people find it the most comfortable. Example: NovoFine Plus 32G 4mm Pen Needles (100 count).
• 5mm, 31G: A slightly longer option that some people prefer. Example: BD Ultra-Fine 31G 5mm Pen Needles (100 count).
• 6mm and 8mm: Still available, but usually only used if your healthcare provider recommends them.

A higher gauge number means a thinner needle. For a deeper look at lengths, see our guide to 4mm vs 6mm vs 8mm pen needles. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the right size for you.

Using a New Needle on Your SoloStar Pen

These general steps follow the manufacturer's instructions. Always check the leaflet that came with your pen.

1. Wash your hands and check the pen label and insulin.
2. Wipe the rubber seal with an alcohol swab.
3. Remove the paper tab from a new needle, screw it straight onto the pen, and remove both the outer and inner caps.
4. Do the safety test (priming) described in your pen's instructions before each injection, to make sure insulin flows and the needle isn't blocked.
5. After injecting, remove the needle right away using the outer cap and place it in a sharps container.

Don't store your SoloStar pen with a needle attached. It can let air in or insulin leak out, and it may clog the needle.

How Many Pen Needles Do You Need for Lantus?

Lantus is typically taken once a day, so one injection per day uses about 30 to 31 needles a month. If your provider has you split doses, or you also use a mealtime insulin pen, your needle count will be higher. Many people find a 100-count box lasts about three months on a once-daily routine. It's also smart to keep a few extra for travel or a failed safety test. Compare box sizes in our pen needles collection.

Quick Checklist Before You Order

• The box says it fits SoloStar or "most pen injectors"
• Length is 4mm or 5mm unless your provider says otherwise
• The count matches your monthly use, plus a small buffer
• The packaging is factory-sealed with a clear expiration date
• You have a sharps container for used needles

FAQ

Can I use NovoFine needles on a Lantus SoloStar pen?
NovoFine needles use the standard screw-on connection that most US pens, including SoloStar, are designed for. Check the compatibility statement on the box to confirm.

Are Toujeo SoloStar needles the same as Lantus SoloStar needles?
Both pens use standard screw-on pen needles, so the same needle brands and sizes generally fit both.

Can I reuse a pen needle?
The manufacturer recommends using a new needle for every injection. Reused needles get dull and can clog.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Decisions about your insulin, dose, and needle size should follow your healthcare provider's guidance. Ready to stock up? Use code WELCOME10 at checkout for 10% off your pen needle order.