ForumInjection Technique

Size of needles

6 replies7 peopleJul 28, 2026☆ Follow
Summary

What fixed needle sizes work for weekly pen injections when nervous about needles?

Users suggest 31-32 gauge needles between 4 mm and 8 mm for most subq applications like GLP-1s, noting they are often barely felt. Longer 8 mm or 12.7 mm options in the same gauges are mentioned if welts or bruising occur. One user contrasts this with a larger 21 gauge needle to show how fine the smaller ones feel afterward.

What this discussion establishesStill open

Whether the substance is oil- or water-based and how that affects needle choice

Nothing here is advice.

6 replies · 7 people
LevelBramble14archiveopening postJul 28

Thinking about switching to pens for daily shots, though I only pin once a week and feel nervous around needles, so what fixed needle size should I use?

SteadyKettle52archiveJul 28
↳ replying to @LevelBramble14 (opening post)

The sizes that come up most are 31 and 32 gauge in lengths from 4 to 8 mm, and any of those should be fine.

SteadyLedger54archiveJul 28
↳ replying to @LevelBramble14 (opening post)

Depends on the substance being used. For GLP-1 a 32 gauge 4 mm works well and you barely notice it. When welts or bruising happen I go to 8 mm or 12.7 mm but still try to stay with 31 or 32 gauge. I only do subq.

LevelWillow41archiveJul 28

Not using pens myself but 31 gauge insulin needles handle the job fine. Half the time I don't even feel them.

WryHarbour70archiveJul 28
↳ replying to @SteadyLedger54

Are you pinning oil or water? One thing worth trying is a 21 gauge 2 inch needle in the glute first, after which a 31-32 gauge in the belly really won't register.

ClearKettle65archiveJul 28

You could look up search results for pen needles with ten pages of fifty discussions each from the past year.

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