Frequently asked questions

After your doctor has written a prescription and you’re ready to start Optune, nCompass^® is ready to help get you started on treatment. nCompass team members will help with insurance, providing resources to answer questions, and educating you and your caregivers on how to use Optune in your daily life. Learn about the steps to getting started.

During the start appointment, your Device Support Specialist (DSS) will provide in-person support to help you get started on Optune.* On the day of your appointment, your DSS will deliver Optune and the supplies you need, as well as demonstrate how to use the following:

• Batteries and charger
• Wall power supply
• Connection cable and box
• Transducer arrays
• Optune carrying case(s)

Explore the device and learn about the supplies and accessories.

Your DSS will also provide you with a MyLink device, which allows you to track your Optune usage. See how MyLink works.

*Your Device Support Specialist cannot provide you with medical advice. Consult with your doctor for any medical questions.

If you or a loved one has recently started Optune, it helps to talk to someone who knows what Optune is like. The Optune Buddy Program connects you with users and/or caregivers who want to share what they’ve learned with you. Please note that an Optune user or caregiver cannot provide you with medical advice because each person is different. Ask your doctor about any medical questions. Schedule a chat with a Buddy.

A large clinical study showed that Optune should be turned on for at least 75% of the time (18 hours per day) to get the best response from treatment. You can decide which times of the day are best for you. You can wear it while you sleep and can customize your treatment plan by taking breaks during the day. Learn more about staying on track with Optune.

Loose-knit wigs, hats, and other head coverings may be worn over the arrays. See some of our ambassadors’ favorite head coverings. Please note that Novocure does not recommend or endorse the use of any specific product from any supplier.

Some warming sensation can be expected while using Optune. Most people get used to this quickly. If you are especially uncomfortable or experience a rash, sores, or skin ulcers on your scalp, contact your doctor. As with any treatment, if you notice any change in your health, please contact your doctor immediately. Learn about the possible side effects of Optune.

Optune has an internal fan that helps keep it from overheating. The carrying bag that comes with the device has been designed to allow for proper airflow. We recommend that you use one of the bags provided by Novocure. See the different ways to carry the bag.

Yes. With your doctor’s permission, travel may be possible with Optune.

To help prevent unnecessary stress and treatment disruption, nCompass is available to support you before and during your travel.

Once you have discussed traveling with your doctor, contact nCompass toll-free at 1-855-281-9301, at least 1 week before your domestic flight or 4 weeks before your international flight. They can help you coordinate your travel and make sure you have the supplies and travel documentation related to Optune that you may need.

• Travel support is not available in all international countries and depends on Optune approval status in your destination country. Call nCompass for a complete list of countries where Optune is currently supported.
• For trips to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, contact nCompass at least 2 weeks before.

Be aware that the device and arrays will set off airport screening devices, and there are restrictions for transporting lithium-ion batteries (like the ones used with Optune) in checked luggage.

You can also call the Transportation Security Administration’s TSA Cares help line toll-free at 1-855-787-2227 to ask about procedures.

Learn more about traveling while using Optune.

Getting the arrays wet can cause the patches to come loose and interfere with contact to the scalp. If this happens, an alarm may sound and the device may turn off. Any time the arrays become wet or loosen, they should be changed.

To prevent the arrays from getting wet, cover them with a shower cap when bathing or showering and leave the device outside of the bathroom. In rainy weather you can wear a hat or use an umbrella. Get tips on showering with Optune.

Arrays should be changed at least 2 times per week (one set of arrays should not be worn for more than 4 days at a time), depending upon factors like how quickly your hair grows or how much you sweat. As your hair grows, it keeps the arrays from making good contact with your scalp. Get information on how to apply and change arrays.

For all x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, the device should always be turned off and the arrays should be disconnected from the connection cable box just as you would do when taking a shower. The device should then be left outside of the procedure room.

Whether or not you also need to remove the arrays depends on what type of test is being performed and on what part of your body. You should speak with your doctor if you are not sure. If your doctor has questions, they can call nCompass at 1-855-281-9301.

The array layout map shows you and your caregiver how to place the arrays based on your treatment needs. When applying the arrays, do your best to follow the array layout map. While the map provides the best placement for treatment, it’s not an exact science. If you follow the map as closely as possible, you will receive treatment.

If your Optune device gets damaged, do not try to fix the device on your own. If you try to fix it yourself, you could damage the device or receive an electric shock. All technical service must be performed by qualified, trained personnel. If your device gets damaged or if you need technical support, call nCompass toll-free at 1-855-281-9301. Learn more about support from nCompass.

Yes. Optune is designed to not interfere with other electronic devices according to international standards. In testing and in real-world use, there have been no problems reported with the use of mobile devices while on treatment. Learn about daily life with Optune.

Using a car adapter is not recommended. Please only use the items provided to you by Novocure. Optune is portable and battery operated, but it is not designed to be plugged into a car charger.

Remember, if you plan to be out for more than 2 hours, carry an extra battery or the power supply with you, in case the current battery runs out. Explore the Optune system.

While Optune should not interfere with a person’s ability to drive, talk with your doctor before driving. If you’ve been given permission to drive, do not place your device on the floor of the driver’s seat by your feet. Get tips for being out and about with Optune.