Outdoors with Optune Gio

OUTDOORS WITH OPTUNE GIO

Getting outdoors with Optune Gio

With your doctor's permission, walks, hikes, and other outdoor activities are all possible while wearing Optune Gio. But it can be more challenging in warmer weather. Here are some tips from Optune Gio users to help you get outdoors with Optune Gio.

Brian is an Optune Giouser and Patient Ambassador, and Susan is his wife and care partner

Tips for getting out and about

Wear a hat

Wear a baseball cap, sun hat, or a hood. Make sure the hat covers all the arrays and gives the arrays some breathing room. You can add padding between the arrays and the top of the hat so there’s room for air to circulate and keep the arrays cool.

Find some shade

The shady side of the street or a hike that has more trees can help keep you cool. Or create your own shade by using an umbrella.

Be mindful of the arrays and heat

More frequent array changes may be needed if you’ve performed a physical activity that causes you to sweat more. If sweat causes the arrays to shift, they should be changed.

Optune Gio should not be placed in direct sunlight

If Optune Gio overheats, an alarm will sound.

Staying Active With Optune Gio

See how, with your doctor’s permission, Optune Gio can become part of your exercise routine.

“With permission from my doctor, I’m still able to be active. Generally, I walk, and Optune Gio just goes right with me.”

– Sherry, Optune Gio user and Patient Ambassador

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.

Outdoors with Optune Gio