Three Reasons To Consider Clinical Trials For Your Chronic Condition
If you've been diagnosed with a chronic disease or other serious condition, you may be able to find clinical research trials in your area that could help you. This is particularly important if your doctor has tried the traditional methods of treatment with no success. Clinical trials are research programs to help the medication manufacturers test their products and see exactly how those medications will respond when taken by real people. They are a necessary part of the process for any new medication before it becomes publicly available, and sometimes can make a big difference in your health. Here are a few things you should know about clinical trials before you sign up.
You might find out more about your condition. Many participants find that they learn a lot about their condition and how treatments work with it. You will have the opportunity to learn the detailed symptoms of the condition you have as well as any side effects that the medications may have. Clinical trials don't typically happen until there has been extensive research into the condition and the medication, so there's usually a vast amount of knowledge to be gained through the process.
You'll be provided with everything that you need. As part of a clinical trial, the medications and all necessary appointments and testing are paid for by the testing company, even if you have insurance. You'll just have to commit to attending all of those appointments, taking the medication as prescribed and having the testing done. You might even receive equipment as part of the trial. Sometimes, companies must distribute things like constant glucose monitors, electrical nerve stimulation and similar devices as part of the study as well. These will be provided at no cost to you if they are required as part of the study. This is often a draw for those without insurance or whose current treatments are too expensive.
Some studies may even offer compensation for your participation. Sometimes the time, travel and expectations of a clinical trial are complicated. As such, some clinical trials will even offer compensation to participants. Sometimes it's a single payment issued at the conclusion of the trial. In other cases, it's a monthly stipend that is issued throughout the course of the program. If there is any compensation for the trial, you'll be provided with that information when you look into the program.
These are a few of the reasons why some people do consider taking part in clinical research trials. Talk with the trial provider about any questions or concerns you might have, then you can decide if it is the right path for you.
Share