Sunday, 9 April 2017

Optune for Canadians

Unfortunately since the Optune device isn't approved yet here in Canada, our only option would be to drive down to the US to get access.  But even so, without US medical insurance, we still have to pay for it out of pocket, which is ridiculously expensive (about $21,000 per month for the device alone).  I was wondering if any Canadians on here have managed to get a hold of one?  If so, could you please share some tips as to the steps you took to get one, and also if you were able to get any coverage, or did you end up paying out of pocket?  Any help is appreciated.  Thanks!!
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8 comments:

  1. SteveMDFP9 April 2017 at 05:42

    I recall reading, in one of the many recent news articles, a quote from a representative of the company "we've never turned away a patient for inability to pay." They do have a patient assistance page:
    https://www.optune.com/hcp/ncompass/patient-reimbursement

    But I'd hazard to guess this policy only applies in countries where it's approved for use. Possibly you'd need to secure a US physical address and a US prescribing doctor.

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  2. JudeGilford10 April 2017 at 15:34

    I would contact them: 1-855-281-9301 (toll free) or support@novocure.com. I know they have amazing support for U.S. patients, so I wouldn't hesitate to inquire. Good luck and let us know!

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  3. JudeGilford10 April 2017 at 15:38

    Better yet, look at what I found on the website:

    https://www.optune.com/international

    Optune.com contains information for residents in the U.S. Optune.com/deutsch contains information for residents of Europe. Optune.com/japan contains information for residents of Japan.

    Please email internationalinfo@novocure.com for all inquiries to other countries.

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  4. Jane14 March 2018 at 11:11

    I have been eying to obtain Optune for my husband - we are Canadians as well. The main obstacle is the prohibitive cost of an absolute requirement to pay for 3 months upfront at $68K USD. Not sure if contacting Health Canada would help? We have a US oncologist and a Canadian Oncologist with full support of the concept. We even obtained a US address and can easily get around the limitation of having to remain in the US for treatment but the cost is prohibitive.

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    Replies
    1. Unknown16 November 2018 at 07:31

      Hello Jane,

      I am in Canada as well. Have you made any progress in gaining access to Optune? I am also wondering if your Canadian oncologist is open to overseeing and assisting with the cocktail approach to treatment? I am looking to find a doctor who may be open to including elements of treatment outside of what is typically the standard care in Canada.

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    2. Stephen W16 November 2018 at 11:42

      I live in Canada too, and Canada is no different from other countries in that the large majority of oncologists are not willing to diverge from the standard of care. A family doctor/general practitioner/primary care physician can often be more useful than an oncologist for off-label prescriptions of non-oncology drugs. An oncologist might be okay with you trying various things, if someone else writes the prescription. There is a lot of professional risk involved for oncologists who do things differently than what the Standard of Care dictates.

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  5. shares27 November 2018 at 07:09

    If you are technically minded, or know someone that is, you can then make your own device. Its operation is well documented and easily accessible.

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  6. Unknown30 December 2018 at 20:10

    Has anyone been able to get the optune cap here in canada yet?

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