Person wearing Optune for glioblastoma Person wearing Optune for glioblastoma
Managing Alarms

What causes Optune alarms to go off?

Optune is designed to alert you if treatment is not being delivered. Find out what can cause your device’s alarm to go off and how to manage it.

Gill, an Optune® user and Patient Ambassador

If you hear an alarm, an issue may be occurring. Explore the possibilities below:

Arrays

Are the arrays in good contact with your skin?

If not, using tape or Surgilast® can ensure good contact with the scalp.

When was the last time you changed your arrays?

Arrays should be changed at least 2 times per week (every 4 days at most).

Is there hair stubble beginning to grow?

Even if there is a small amount of hair growth, a new set of arrays should be applied after shaving. See Scalp Care Guide for more tips.

Are the arrays too warm?

Direct sunlight should be avoided. A breathable head covering could be helpful, as well as a fan. If sweat causes arrays to shift, they should be changed.

Optune transducer arrays
Batteries

Is the yellow battery light on?

This is a great time to swap batteries for a full charge. When the battery is low, you will hear an alarm.

Have you checked the battery gauge?

If the gauge shows only 1 dot, the battery should be changed.

Optune batteries
Connection

Are any transducer array connectors loose?

All array cables need to be fully inserted into the connection box.

Is the connection cable plugged into the device?

The gray connection cable should be gently inserted into the device with the arrows lined up. You should hear a click.

Optune connection cable
Device

Are you hearing an alarm right after turning Optune on but BEFORE pressing the TTFields button?

Device should be turned off, and the battery changed. Then the device can be turned on.

Do you hear a rattling noise coming from the device, or has it been damaged?

You can call nCompass® support for troubleshooting assistance.

Optune device

Need help troubleshooting Optune? nCompass® offers 24/7 technical support. Call 1-855-281-9301 any time of day, or email support@novocure.com.

nCompass cannot provide you with medical advice. Consult with your doctor for any medical questions.

Did you know?

If you turn Optune on without pressing the TTFields button, an alarm will sound after 10 minutes.

Press the TTFields button once to silence the alarm and twice to start therapy.

Osmond, an Optune® user and Patient Ambassador

Person wearing Optune for GBM

What to do if your Optune device’s alarm goes off

Answer the following questions to help you identify the alarm that’s going off and what it means.

What does the alarm sound like?

  • 3 moderately paced beeps in 1 second
  • 3 high-pitched quick beeps in less than 1 second
  • Beeps in a repeating 3-2 pattern

When does the alarm occur?

  • After turning the device on and right after pressing the TTFields button
  • 15+ seconds after the TTFields button is pressed

When does the alarm occur or what lights did you see on the device?

  • Alarm occurs immediately after powering on but before pressing the TTFields button
  • Blue TTFields light flashing
  • Battery light is yellow
  • Battery light is green or off; TTFields light is off

Check both of the following:

Array Contact

Ensure good contact by pressing discs gently to scalp or use tape to secure the edges.

Sweat, moisture, or hair growth may cause arrays to lift. Shave head and change arrays as needed.

Array Temperature Too Warm

If outside, avoid direct sunlight. Wear a breathable head covering and/or use an umbrella to shade the array.

If sleeping or napping, roll onto a different side to release trapped warmth. A fan or cooling pillow may help.

Contact nCompass if the issue doesn't resolve.

Connections

Ensure connection cable is properly connected to the device with arrows aligned. The connector will click when fully connected.

Contact nCompass if the issue doesn't resolve.

Connections

Ensure transducer array connectors are fully inserted into the connection box.

Contact nCompass if the issue doesn't resolve.

Battery

Change the battery and power on the device again.

If alarm persists, call nCompass for troubleshooting assistance.

Contact nCompass if the issue doesn't resolve.

Therapy Timer

Press TTFields button once to silence alarm. Press TTFields button a second time to restart treatment.

Contact nCompass if the issue doesn't resolve.

Battery

If there are 1-2 lights on the battery gauge, change to a fully charged battery.

If there are 3-4 lights on the battery gauge, call nCompass for troubleshooting assistance.

Contact nCompass if the issue doesn't resolve.

Connection

Ensure array cables are properly connected to the connection cable.

Contact nCompass if the issue doesn't resolve.

Take the Optune Troubleshooting Tips brochure with you on the go.

Get an Optune travel checklist to help you prepare for your trip.

Download the brochure

Caring for your skin

Get skin care tips

Optune evening routine

Get tips from users

Starting Optune FAQs

Get answers

Important Safety Information

What is Optune® approved to treat?

Optune is a wearable, portable, FDA-approved device indicated to treat a type of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in adult patients 22 years of age or older.

Newly diagnosed GBM

If you have newly diagnosed GBM, Optune is used together with a chemotherapy called temozolomide (TMZ) if:

  • Your cancer is confirmed by your healthcare professional AND
  • You have had surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible

Recurrent GBM

If your tumor has come back, Optune can be used alone as an alternative to standard medical therapy if:

  • You have tried surgery and radiation and they did not work or are no longer working AND
  • You have tried chemotherapy and your GBM has been confirmed by your healthcare professional

Who should not use Optune?

Optune 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 has not been tested in people with implanted electronic devices, which may cause the devices not to work properly, and Optune has not been tested in people with skull defects or bullet fragments, which may cause Optune 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 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 if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Optune is safe or effective during pregnancy.

What should I know before using Optune?

Optune 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.

  • Do not use any parts that did not come with the Optune 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 treatment

What are the possible side effects of Optune?

The most common side effects of Optune 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 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 Instructions for Use (IFU) for complete information regarding the device’s indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions.

On this site, patient and healthcare professional videos as well as all images labeled as Optune users, caregivers, or healthcare professionals depict actual patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. All other depictions of patients and caregivers are actor portrayals. Patient images reflect the health status of the patients at the time each photo was taken.

Read more

Important Safety Information

What is Optune® approved to treat?

Optune is a wearable, portable, FDA-approved device indicated to treat a type of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in adult patients 22 years of age or older.

Newly diagnosed GBM

If you have newly diagnosed GBM, Optune is used together with a chemotherapy called temozolomide (TMZ) if:

  • Your cancer is confirmed by your healthcare professional AND
  • You have had surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible

Recurrent GBM

If your tumor has come back, Optune can be used alone as an alternative to standard medical therapy if:

  • You have tried surgery and radiation and they did not work or are no longer working AND
  • You have tried chemotherapy and your GBM has been confirmed by your healthcare professional

Who should not use Optune?

Optune 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 has not been tested in people with implanted electronic devices, which may cause the devices not to work properly, and Optune has not been tested in people with skull defects or bullet fragments, which may cause Optune 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 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 if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Optune is safe or effective during pregnancy.

What should I know before using Optune?

Optune 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.

  • Do not use any parts that did not come with the Optune 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 treatment

What are the possible side effects of Optune?

The most common side effects of Optune 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 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 Instructions for Use (IFU) for complete information regarding the device’s indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions.

On this site, patient and healthcare professional videos as well as all images labeled as Optune users, caregivers, or healthcare professionals depict actual patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. All other depictions of patients and caregivers are actor portrayals. Patient images reflect the health status of the patients at the time each photo was taken.