Optune Gio side effects

OPTUNE GIO SIDE EFFECTS

Possible side effects of Optune Gio

Osmond, an Optune Gio user and Patient Ambassador

Optune Gio vs chemotherapy: side effects in GBM

Optune Gio treats your GBM tumor where it is located, without significantly increasing chemotherapy-related side effects.

TTFields do not enter the bloodstream like a drug, so they did not significantly increase chemotherapy-related side effects
The safety and efficacy of Optune Gio in people with newly diagnosed GBM was studied in a large, randomized clinical trial. This trial compared the effectiveness and safety of people treated with Optune Gio and chemotherapy to those treated with chemotherapy alone. In this study, Optune Gio was safely used together with chemotherapy for 5 years

What are the most common side effects of Optune Gio?

The most common side effects when using Optune Gio alone were scalp irritation (redness and itchiness) and headache. Other side effects were malaise, muscle twitching, falling, and skin ulcers.

Examples of skin irritation that can occur include:

Dermatitis

Red, inflamed, swollen, and flaky skin.

Folliculitis

Inflammation of a hair follicle that can appear as a red pimple. It can itch or burn, and may be accompanied by pus.

Erosions

A loss of the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) that causes indented sores (lesions). They can cause mild bleeding, pain, and burning.

Before starting Optune Gio, consider the potential benefits and side effects. If you have recurrent GBM, you’ll use Optune Gio alone.

Who should not use Optune Gio?

Optune Gio is not for everyone. Talk to your doctor if you have:

An implanted medical device (programmable shunt), skull defect (missing bone with no replacement), or bullet fragment. Optune Gio has not been tested in people with implanted electronic devices, which may cause the devices not to work properly, and Optune Gio has not been tested in people with skull defects or bullet fragments, which may cause Optune Gio not to work properly

A known sensitivity to conductive hydrogels (the gel on the arrays placed on the scalp like the ones used on EKGs). When Optune Gio comes into contact with the skin, it may cause more redness and itching or may rarely cause a life-threatening allergic reaction

Do not use Optune Gio if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Optune Gio is safe or effective during pregnancy.

What should I know before using Optune Gio?

Optune Gio should only be used after receiving training from qualified personnel, such as your doctor, a nurse, or other medical staff who have completed a training course given by Novocure^®, the maker of Optune Gio.

Do not use any parts that did not come with the Optune Gio Treatment Kit sent to you by Novocure or given to you by your doctor

Do not get the device or transducer arrays wet

If you have an underlying serious skin condition on the scalp, discuss with your doctor whether this may prevent or temporarily interfere with Optune Gio treatment

What are the possible side effects of Optune Gio?

Most common side effects of Optune Gio when used together with chemotherapy (temozolomide, or TMZ) were low blood platelet count, nausea, constipation, vomiting, tiredness, scalp irritation from the device, headache, seizure, and depression. The most common side effects when using Optune Gio alone were scalp irritation (redness and itchiness) and headache. Other side effects were malaise, muscle twitching, fall and skin ulcers. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these side effects or questions.

Please click here for the Optune Gio Instructions For Use (IFU) for complete information regarding the device’s indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions.

Optune Gio side effects