Experimental Drug Trials If it were not for drug trials, many of the lifesaving drugs we all use might not be available today. Obviously, drug trials are important for the development of medicines, but anyone that is entering a trial needs to be well informed. Never encourage anyone to enter a clinical trial for financial compensation only, as trials should be to benefit medicines and medical technology.
What exactly is a Clinical Trial? Clinical trials may also be referred to as clinical studies. In a clinical trial, human volunteers agree to be tested using potential treatments to determine if they should be approved for use in the general population. Treatments can consist of drugs, medical devices, vaccine, blood product, or gene therapy. All treatments have prior studies in animals to learn of potential toxicity, and have been approved for human trial. The FDA assures the public; they are protecting the participants in any trial, and provides all pertinent information to the participant. Over the years there have been allegations against drug trial companies regarding the participants' safety, and there are currently petitions requesting the government regulate all drug trials. Although many safety measures are put in place to protect volunteers, it is still a drug “trial� and all side effects are not known. Anyone that chooses to participate in a drug trial should read all paperwork carefully, and weigh the possible risks to their own health. Related: Reasons Why You Should be Proud to be a Nurse
Why Volunteer for a Trial? Most people participate in drug trials because it may offer hope for their medical condition. For someone that has suffered from a condition for a prolonged period of time, with little or no relief, it's easy to understand why they would take their chances with a trial. Others may participate for the good of a family member or loved one, in hopes of benefiting them with a medical condition affecting their life. Then there are some people that sign up for drug trials for financial compensation. All too often, people that sign up for financial reasons may not read all warnings regarding the trial. This is generally when problems arise; a reasonably healthy person may now suffer from complications as a result of the drug trial. Patients that enroll in drug trials for finances should be encouraged to carefully study all side effects and risks. There is a need for clinical trials, and it is important to test medical products within the group of people they are intended to help.