What are Sharps? First, let’s talk about what sharps are and where you can find over-the-counter purchases. The FDA describes sharps as a medical term for devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin. This includes needles, syringes, auto-injectors, and more. The FDA defines needles as "hollow needles used to inject drugs (medication) under the skin, and medical syringes are devices used to inject medication into or withdraw fluid from the body."