Insulin syringes: BD brand is moving to Embecta

New look Active

BD brand insulin syringes and pen needles have a new name and a new box, Embecta, but they are the same products.

What's happening?

comparison of new and old 8 mm pen needle packaging. There is a lot of blue on the new package and dimension information is more prominent.
Example of the old and new insulin pen packaging

Fom 1 July 2026, the packaging will change for insulin syringes (BD Ultra Fine and BD Ultra Fine II) and insulin pen needles (BD Micro Fine). These will change to Embecta packaging.

New packaging, same product

Although the packaging may look different, there has been no change to the product other than the packaging. Please be assured that these are the same products, manufactured to the same specifications and quality standards as the BD products you are familiar with.

compares old 12.7 mm insulin syringe box with new box. There is a lot of pink and the details of size and capacity are much larger.
Example of the old and new insulin syringe packaging

Information for pharmacists

The change in packaging requires a change of Pharmacode for these products. All new Pharmacodes are listed from 1 August 2026.

Stock of the BD brand syringes and pen needles will be used up before the supplier starts supplying Embecta branded products. BD brand will remain listed for some time to allow pharmacies to dispense and claim for this brand.

Schedule listings for insulin pen needles(external link)

Schedule listings for insulin syringes(external link)

Pharmacode changes by product

Product details

Current Pharmacode

New Pharmacode

Listing Date

32 g x 4 mm insulin pen needle

2375737

2734435

1 August 26

31 g x 5 mm insulin pen needle

433802 

2734419

1 August 26

31 g x 8 mm insulin pen needle

2181835

2734427

1 August 26

29 g x 12.7 mm insulin pen needle

2354837

2734443

1 August 26

Syringe 1 ml with 31 g x 8 mm needle (100 pack) 

2224224

2731886

1 July 26

Syringe 0.5 ml with 31 g x 8 mm needle (100 pack)

2224208

2731894

1 July 26

Syringe 1 ml with 29 g x 12.7 mm needle (100 pack)

788244

2734494

1 August 26

Syringe 0.5 ml with 29 g x 12.7 mm needle (100 pack)

788228

2734486

1 August 26

Syringe 0.3 ml with 31 g x 8 mm needle (100 pack)

2224216

2734451

1 August 26

Syringe 0.3 ml with 29 g x 12.7 mm needle (100 pack)

788236

2734478

1 August 26

Who to contact

If you have questions about this issue, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.

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