Caring for your skin

CARING FOR YOUR SKIN

How to care for your scalp

Dennis, an Optune Gio user and Patient Ambassador

Tips to minimize skin irritation

Proper scalp care plays an important role in helping prevent irritation and maximizing your time on Optune Gio.

Change arrays

Change transducer arrays at least twice a week (one set of arrays should not be worn for more than 4 days at a time)

Ensure ventilation

Make sure your transducer arrays receive enough ventilation

Remove gently

Remove arrays gently by pulling back on the edge of the array, taking a minute to remove each array

Use baby oil to loosen the edges of the arrays to pull them off OR
Unplug the cords from the connector box and step into a warm shower to loosen and remove the arrays. This tip comes from other Optune Gio users

Shift placement

Shift transducer arrays during routine changes

To limit skin irritation, slightly shift the placement of the transducer arrays by about 0.75 inches from the last location. You should change contact sites every time you change them. On your next transducer array change, shift them back to the previous position
The ceramic discs leave a slight mark on the surface of your scalp. This allows you or your caregiver to see where to position the new set of arrays

Place carefully

Avoid placing ceramic discs directly over screws, plates, or scars

Reduce your risk of infection

Wash hands

Wash your hands before each application and removal of transducer arrays

Shampoo

Wash your scalp between transducer array changes

Clean

Clean the electric razor per manufacturer’s guidelines after every shave

What should I do if my skin becomes irritated?

Skin irritation that happens with Optune Gio most often can be managed with proper skin care. You can also use medications such as topical corticosteroids and antibiotics, without discontinuing therapy.

If you experience swelling, redness, excessive itching, or other skin-related symptoms:

Take a photograph of the affected area
Contact your doctor to discuss treatment options
If you have a scheduled appointment at a time when skin irritation is a concern, do not wear arrays to the visit, so your doctor can properly examine your scalp

This information is not intended to take the place of your doctor’s advice.

All about scalp care

Learn more about how to care for your scalp while using Optune Gio.

Download the guide

Maintaining Healthy Skin Hygiene

Optune Gio users and caregivers share tips on how to help keep the scalp from developing skin irritation or infection.

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.

Caring for your skin