First time around? Let me help

What is a Clinical Trial?

In a nutshell? The process to achieve knowledge.

But, how does that correlate with the investigational medicine offered to me? Well, before Advil was Advil it had to undergo a series of phases (Three to be precise) to be available to the market. Once we had enough information and proven benefit it was approved by the FDA and is now an over-the-counter medication!

Now, I know what you’re thinking, yes, Advil is Advil most people can take it. Well, yes. But at some point we didn’t know when or how to prescribe it to children or to grandpa.

But are Clinical Trials Risky?

Even if tried, we can’t make them risky.

Of course, this doesn’t mean everything is 100% risk free. But, the reality is that the FDA monitors really close who everything is being conducted. Let me explain, aside from the obvious, meaning a lot of testing has to be conducted before a human can even dare to touch an investigational product, there’s a lot of oversight during and after your participation.

As an adult, if tomorrow I go to the doctor for a cold and they forget to take my weight, chances are that either no one notices or no one will do anything about it. NOW, same scenario but I’m a participant on a clinical trial, and the trial states that my weight needs to be collected… Well, not only multiple people will noticed, it now needs to be documented, reported, and I really hope it hasn’t be a pattern because then you have to be re-trained on the importance of collecting the weight of a patient, and being compliant with the protocol.

You see my point?

Okay, But Why Should I Participate in a Clinical Trial?

For starters, your participation will help someone one day.

But I get it, what else is it there for me? Although we can’t generalize here are some benefits you may receive:

  • Money for your time and collaboration

  • Medical services ant testing at no cost or at a lower rate than usual

  • Access to novel medical treatment before anyone else

  • Personalized care and close monitoring

  • Hope. An opportunity when treatment options are running out

Then, If Clinical Trials Are So Great, Why aren’t they more popular?

In three words? Stigma and misinformation.

Ever heard, “I don’t want to be a Guinea Pig”?

Well, the reality is that this is our only way, the only process to have more medications or medical devices. Yes, information will be collected and deeply review, but that’s it, as we mentioned a lot has to happen before humans can actually take the medication.

Sometimes, people can say no thank you, this is too much to deal. Some other times, people say, yes please, this is one of my very last opportunities to be well.

Whatever may be your choice today, we respect it, but please don’t contribute to the stigma. You never know what impact can misinformation bring.

Additional Questions?

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