Columnists

Are Clinical Trials Safe??

Issue 3.15

Have you ever wondered about enrolling in a clinical trial of a new treatment?  The decision may not be easy, however without the clinical trials we would not have the life saving treatments we have the today.

A year ago, “Joe” a healthy active young man running his own business was diagnosed with type II diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.  He was treated with what’s on the market today, but could not get his diabetes controlled using traditional treatments. Without insurance the cost to him was staggering.  Joe was desperate for a treatment that would work and be cost-effective.

He was referred to Chrysalis Clinical Research to enroll in a diabetes trial.  The trial provided a new therapy, close monitoring of his disease, no cost to him and the medication provided by the study.  Enrolling in a trial that involves an “investigational” drug that is not yet approved by the FDA with no guarantee that it is safe and/or effective made Joe a little hesitant.  The trial involved a “double-blind placebo control”, which meant Joe had a 50/50 chance of either being placed on the drug being tested or getting a placebo (sugar pill).  On the other hand he was aware that if he didn’t take part, he would miss an opportunity to have a cutting-edge therapy available nowhere else.

Joe is not alone in his dilemma.  According to ClinicalTrials.gov, more than 100,000 trials are going on worldwide.  Joe enrolled in our trial and now has his diabetes hypertension and cholesterol all under control.  He has benefited through education about his diseases and now is participating in his 5th clinical trial.  Joe is extremely happy with the option(s) that he was given.  He now speaks to potential patients about enrolling into clinical trials.  He tells them they will gain better understanding of their disease, receive monitoring of their disease and made aware and accountable for their choices.

When making a decision to enter a trial the providers and study nurses discuss all the risks, benefits, alternatives, therapy being offered and what is known to date about the drug being studied.  In clinical trials you will undergo procedures drug companies require such as x-rays, diagnostic tests, eye exams, and more at no cost to you that your doctor may not provide due to cost.

When you agree, you will not only be helping yourself but others.  Clinical trials provide doctors and patients with better information and education that helps you make more-informed medical decision.  Without participating in trials, no new therapies would be approved.

Sometimes it takes an experiment to make you or others well…

Chrysalis Clinical Research is currently seeking volunteers for the following clinical trials:

  • * Asthma, ages 12 and up
  • * Ear infections ages 6 months with no upper limit on age due to infection, hearing aids, swimming, ear plugs
  • * Diabetes for “SENIORS” ages 65 and up
  • * Children with common colds ages 6 to 11

You are compensated for participation and amounts vary according to the trial

Chrysalis Clinical Research

435 656 1704. www: sgccr.com

 

 

 

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