Clinical Trials: What Questions Should You Ask?

If you are considering participating in a clinical trial, it's best to find out as much as you can about the study. To help you, here is a list of sample questions that you should consider:
 

• What is the purpose of the study?
• Who will be in the study?
• Who is conducting the study?
• Has the drug or treatment ever been tested before?
• What does the protocol involve?
• Will any part of my participation be painful? Require hospitalization? Affect my daily life?
• Can I still participate if I'm on other medications?
• What are the risks?
• What if I need or want to drop out of the study?
• How long with the trial last?
• Do I have to pay for this treatment?
• Do I get paid to participate in this study?
• Do I need to talk to my insurance company before participating in this study?
• How will I know if the treatment is working?
• Can a friend or family member join with me?
• What happens after the trial is over? Can I still get the treatment?
• How do I find out about the results?