Myths vs Facts

Here is the Truth

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Myth:
Once you join a trial, you're a human guinea pig.

In clinical trials, transparency is key. That's why every trial ensures that the rights of participants are protected through informed consent.

In clinical trials, transparency is key. That's why every trial ensures that the rights of participants are protected through informed consent.

The informed consent document describes trial activities, visits, and potential risks and benefits. Reading it can help you decide whether or not you want to join. You're not a guinea pig. You're an informed participant.

Myth:
Clinical trials aren't transparent about your safety.

Open communication and transparency about trial safety is the top priority. All clinical trials are reviewed for safety and ethics by the participating country’s national health and safety organization and formal research committee. These groups work to ensure transparency with participants about both the benefits and risks of study medications.

Open communication and transparency about trial safety is the top priority. All clinical trials are reviewed for safety and ethics by the participating country’s national health and safety organization and formal research committee. These groups work to ensure transparency with participants about both the benefits and risks of study medications.

Myth:
Enrolling in a clinical trial is without risk.

In clinical trials, participants receive a potential new treatment so that its possible benefits and risks, if any, can be studied.

In clinical trials, participants receive a potential new treatment so that its possible benefits and risks, if any, can be studied.

Myth:
If there is a clinical trial that I could enter, my doctor will tell me about it.

Your doctor may not know about every clinical trial. The National Institutes of Health has an online database where you can search to find appropriate trials. For help navigating your options, talk to your doctor. You can also contact an advocacy group or visit an informative website such as SCDstudies.com.

Your doctor may not know about every clinical trial. The National Institutes of Health has an online database where you can search to find appropriate trials. For help navigating your options, talk to your doctor. You can also contact an advocacy group or visit an informative website such as SCDstudies.com.

Myth:
If I join a clinical trial, I won't get the same level of care that I receive from my doctor.

Trial participants not only receive care from trial staff, but from their own doctor as well. Trials include very detailed procedures, and often include extra tests and extra visits.

Trial participants not only receive care from trial staff, but from their own doctor as well. Trials include very detailed procedures, and often include extra tests and extra visits.

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