Consumer Guide to Diabetes Products

Insulin syringes

Two brands of Insulin syringes are available as subsidised items. These are the ABM and B-D ranges available in various sizes and with different sized needles.

Your doctor can obtain subsidy for 100 syringes on any one prescription; provided either that insulin is prescribed on the same prescription or the prescription is endorsed as being for a patient using insulin. Your doctor can if he/she thinks it is necessary write more than one prescription. Or syringes in excess of the subsidy can be purchased through a pharmacy, from Diabetes Supplies Limited or from some Diabetes Societies.

Size of syringe and needle will be influenced by patient preference. Patients who use syringes more than once may prefer a stronger (lower gauge number) needle. If the syringe is being used for a young child the finer, shorter (31 gauge, 8 mm) needle may be preferred.

As insulin strength in NZ is all 100 IU/ml a 0.3 ml syringe is adequate for doses of up to 30 units.

Patients who mix insulins in the syringe may prefer a larger (0.5ml or 1.0 ml) to allow for ease of mixing.

Marketing NameAvailable sizesPresentationAvailability
 ABM 0.3 ml with 29 gauge 12.7mm needle Packs of 100 Fully subsidized to a maximum of 100 needles per prescription if prescribed on the same form as the one used for the supply of insulin of if endorsed as being for a patient using insulin.
 0.3 ml with 31 gauge 8mm needle
 0.5 ml with 29 gauge 12.7mm needle
 0.5 ml with 31 gauge 8mm needle
 1 ml with 29 gauge 12.7mm needle
 1 ml with 31 gauge 8mm needle
B-D Ultra-Fine10.3ml with 29 gauge 12.7mm10 packs of 10 syringes in a box of 100Fully subsidised to a maximum of 100 syringes per prescription if prescribed on the same form as the one used for the supply of insulin or if endorsed as being for a patient using insulin.
0.5ml with 29 gauge 12.7mm needles
1.0ml with 29 gauge 12.7mm needles
B-D Ultra-Fine II0.3ml with 31 gauge 8mm needles10 packs of 10 syringes in a box of 100Fully subsidised to a maximum of 100 needles per prescription if prescribed on the same form as the one used for the supply of insulin or if endorsed as being for a patient using insulin.
0.5ml with 31 gauge 8mm needles
1.0ml with 31 gauge 8mm needles


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  1. For details on BD syringes and needles available in NZ contact Becton Dickinson Toll Free 0800 572 468.

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