Life on Wheels (83 page)

Some risks of participating in a clinical trial include:

Adverse reactions to the drug

Possible harm from receiving a placebo rather than active treatment

Physical discomforts from tests

Disruption in your personal schedule to be present for tests and examinations

Some benefits of participating in a clinical trial include:

Possible improvement in your condition

More frequent monitoring by doctors during the study

Improved coverage of expenses

Personal gratification for your role in assisting the study

You have the right to ask any questions you have about the study and your role in it. You should seriously reconsider your willingness to participate in any study in which your questions are not fully and patiently answered. Among the things you should know are:

If you live a distance from the study center, how long will you need to be available to the researchers and at what stages of the study?

What kinds of tests will you be asked to submit to during the study?

How long is the study expected to last?

Is there a possibility that you will be receiving a placebo?

Will your usual doctor participate or be informed about your role in the study?