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How do I benefit from a trial?

Do I benefit from participating in a Clinical trial and are there any risks?

With your participation in clinical trials you contribute to the development of new medications, which may help you and others. Please subsequently read how you can benefit from clinical trials and what risks might arise.

• Access to medication before they are available to the public:

Participants have access to treatments and medication long before they are available to the public (often years). A participant might find the new drug much more effective than existing treatments. That is a benefit a participant can gain from a clinical trial.

• Expert medical care and constant monitoring

During the course of a clinical trial treatment, participants 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 treated directly after the trial.

• Intensive Medical attention

Trial investigators 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.

• 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.

• By participating you are helping others!!

Risks

Besides the benefits from participating in a clinical trial, you should also be aware of the risks. Before the beginning of a trial the investigator informs the patient or healthy volunteer of possible risks, such as side effect and adverse reactions that may occur. Since a trial investigate new drugs and treatments not all side effects can be foretold. Please make sure to consult your investigator of possible risks before participating in the trial.

• Seek advice

The decision on joining a clinical trial is not any easy one. You lack knowledge and transparency in this specialized medical field. Do list down questions that trouble you and want answered before making the final decision. Besides talking to the investigator in charge, you could also seek advice from other medical experts and do your own research. The investigator is obligated to answer your questions, so insist on a consultation. Take your time and don’t forget that you can say always decide against participating.

• Side effects and adverse reactions

Every medical treatment is accompanied by risks. That doesn’t exclude 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.

• Health Insurance

The health insurance or sponsor might not cover all costs in the case of damages caused during a trial.