Click on one of these frequently asked questions for information that will guide you in selecting and using Clickfine pen needles.
Troubleshooting potential problems:
Q: How can I make my injections more comfortable?
A: Clickfine pen needles are carefully crafted with a thin needle and silicone coating to provide maximum injection comfort. Click here to access additional steps you may take for more comfortable injections.
Q: Why do I experience a burning sensation during or after injection?
A: This sensation is typically caused by the medication, not the needle. Some insulin analogs, for example, may cause a burning sensation when injected. Injections performed too superficially or intramuscularly may also lead to a burning sensation. Cold medication may be another cause. In rare cases, injections made right next to nerves may also cause pain. Always insert the needle and inject according to your health care professional's advice.
Q: What if I have a bruise after injection?
A: Such a bruise (haematoma) is most likely caused by a blood vessel damaged during injection. Pen needle re-use may also cause a haemotoma. Always use a new pen needle, then insert and inject according to your health care professional's advice. Avoid making an injection where there are visible/obvious/superficial blood vessels. See Instructions and Tips for a comfortable injection for additional advice.
Q: What happens if I inject in a muscle?
A: An intramuscular injection generally results in a faster or more erratic impact of insulin than provided by a subcutaneous injection (such as into the abdominal area). Carefully monitor your blood sugar if you think you may have injected into a muscle.
Choosing the correct needle length for you can help you avoid intramuscular injections. Please refer to the pen needle Length Selection Guide for more information on selecting needle lengths.
Q: What if insulin leaks out of the needle hub?
A: It may be that the needle was not clicked-on straight onto the pen or that the needle is blocked. So, ensure that the pen needle is placed straight onto the pen and that the needle is not blocked. Injecting slowly helps to reduce the pressure within the pen. When injecting a high dose of insulin, a larger diameter (29 gauge) needle may be more appropriate as less force will be needed to inject. Our Guide to Choosing Your Pen Needle can help you and your diabetes health professional select the Clickfine pen needle that best meets your needs.
Q: Why does my pen needle block or clog?
A: Clogged needles may result from pen needle re-use. Some long acting insulins can crystallize, blocking the needle (cannula) with this crystallized residue. Always immediately remove and properly dispose of the pen needle after each injection. Before injecting, check that the needle allows a free flow of medication by priming your pen according to your pen's instructions for use.
Q: What if I see insulin dripping from the pen needle, pen or injection site? How can I ensure correct dosage?
A: To ensure correct dosage:
- Make sure you are using the correct needle length. Our Length Selection Guide can help you and your diabetes health professional select the Clickfine pen needle that best meets your needs.
- Prime your pen before each injection according to its instructions for use to ensure that the medication flows freely through the needle.
- Inject slowly, following your healthcare professional's advice and pen's instructions for use. A slow injection may also assist in the distribution of insulin in the subcutaneous tissue, especially if a higher dosage needs to be administered.
- Wait 10 seconds after each injection before withdrawing the pen needle from your skin.
- Check after each injection whether medication drips from the pen needle, pen, or injection site. If the medication drips, follow your physician's instructions regarding the handling of potential under-dosage and seek medical attention in case of any uncertainty.
Q: I have problems with pen needle fit: it's too loose, or does not get tight and continues to screw on.
A: Make sure to properly click-on the pen needle by pressing straight down with outer protective cap. Do not click-on at an angle. If you prefer to screw-on the needle, the special design of the needle hub will ensure a secure fit even if there is no noticeable stop.
