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How do I benefit from a trial?

What are the benefits of participating in a trial? Are there risks?

By participating in a clinical trial, you contribute to the development of new medications. These medications have the potential to help both you and others. Please read the following to learn how you can benefit from clinical trials and what risks might arise.

• Access: You will have access to medications before they are available to the public. Volunteers have access to treatments and medication long before they are available on the market, often years in advance.
• Efficacy: A volunteer might find the new drug much more effective than existing treatments.
• Expert medical care and constant monitoring: During the course of a clinical trial treatment, volunteers receive more regular and closer monitoring than they would receive during the course of a standard treatment. Side effects and adverse reactions are recognized immediately and can be promptly treated.
• Intensive medical attention: Clinical trial doctors work together with primary health care providers. That way you will not only be closely monitored by a specialist but also by a stationed physician who provides for your primary health care.
• No cost: Participating in a clinical trial is free of charge. Some trials also offer compensation. The amount depends on the participating time and the level of discomfort.
• Helping hand: By participating, you are helping others!!

In addition to the benefits, you should also be aware of the risks. Before the beginning of a trial, the clinical trial doctor informs the patient or healthy volunteer of risks. These include possible side effects and adverse reactions. Because a clinical trial investigates new drugs and treatments, not all side effects can be known in advance. Please make sure to consult your doctor concerning possible risks before participating in a trial. The decision to participate in a clinical trial is not an easy one to make. You may lack knowledge in this specialized medical field, or you may be worried about possible side effects. Please write down any questions you need answered before making the final decision. In addition to talking with the clinical trial doctor in charge, you can also seek advice from other medical experts and you can do your own research. The clinical trial doctor is obligated to answer your all of your questions, so insist on a consultation. Take your time and don’t forget that you can say always decide against participating. The following risks must be taken into consideration:

• Side effects and adverse reactions: Every medical treatment is accompanied by risks. This includes closely monitored clinical trials (unforeseen side effects, wrong dosages in phase I and II). During the trial, specified investigations might be necessary. These are additional risk factors which have to be clarified beforehand.