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August 23, 2022

Blood Tests and Insulin Injections, Insulin

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Question from Canada:

I just took my Novorapid insulin with the 5mm/31 gauge insulin needles in my thigh, and the needle has broken off. Is it dangerous to leave in my leg, will anything bad happen?

Answer:

From: Rayhan Lal, MD, MPH, PhD

I would recommend trying to get this out as noninvasively as possible. I would recommend either going to an urgent care/emergency room or call your doctor as soon as you can.

They can use ultrasound or fluoroscopy to visualize and then make a small incision and try and remove. It may not be easy, but hopefully they can get it out.
Also, I would be careful re-using needles, I know it is more work and more supplies, but re-using needles can weaken it even if it doesn’t look like it.