Before deciding to partake in a clinical trial, it is normal to have some questions about the process and what to expect. To help prospective participants understand how clinical trials work, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions.
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- What are the benefits of participating in a clinical trial?
Clinical trials are a very important part of the drug discovery and development process. By taking part, you help improve the health of millions of people in the future. You also benefit by gaining access to highly promising drugs that are not yet available to the public.
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- Is it safe?
The risks are similar to those present in everyday medical care. There may be some discomfort, but they are mostly minor and they stop after the medication is stopped. Also, before you sign up, you will be given a detailed list of possible complications. If serious problems may arise, you will find out before making your decision.
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- Can a healthy person be part of a clinical trial?
Clinical trials often need healthy volunteers i.e. people that are not suffering from the condition the drug was created to treat. So if you are interested in contributing to the advancement of medicine, you don’t have to be sick to do so.
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- Will I be paid for being part of a trial?
The compensation varies from trial to trial. Talk to the organizers or the research team to learn more about payments.
- Can I drop out of the trial?
You will be asked to sign a ‘consent to participate’ form at the start. However, you are allowed to drop out of a trial completely at any point. You may also choose not to partake in certain treatments or tests without dropping out of the trial.
If you are interested in learning more about clinical trials or taking part in one, visit DM Clinical Research. Call 281-517-0550 for further inquiries.