Misconceptions of clinical trials
Many people are unsure about joining a trial because of common misinformation. Here are some myths and the facts behind them.
Misconceptions of clinical trials
Many people are unsure about joining a trial because of common misinformation. Here are some myths and the facts behind them.
Myths vs facts about clinical trials
Myth: Clinical trials are for other people, not people like me.
Fact: Clinical trials need people from all backgrounds and communities. Advancing representative research helps us understand how medicines affect people around the world who are impacted by certain conditions and diseases.
Myth: Clinical trials are only for sick people.
Fact: Some trials need healthy volunteers too - not just patients.
Myth: Clinical trials are unsafe.
Fact: Trials are carefully designed for safety. Independent expert committees review every trial plan to protect participants' rights and health. During trials, doctors monitor participants closely with regular checkups and lab tests to ensure ongoing safety. Follow-up visits after treatment help researchers understand long-term safety.
Myth: People in clinical trials are just guinea pigs for testing.
Fact: Participants are partners in research, not test subjects. Participants always know what they're agreeing to, can ask questions, and can leave at any time. Clinical trials also have strict safety rules and independent oversight. Patient safety and wellbeing are the top priorities.
Myth: You can't take your regular medicines.
Fact: Many trials allow your current medications, even if you're receiving a placebo or a trial drug.
Myth: You can't stop participating once you start.
Fact: Participants can leave a trial at any time, for any reason.
Myth: Only young people can join.
Fact: Clinical trials need people of all ages, sexes, and backgrounds. Each trial has its own requirements depending on the condition and investigational product treatment being studied.
Myth: Clinical trials are only for people with no other options.
Fact: Trials help discover new treatments, improve existing ones, and enhance quality of life.
Myth: Because of past events, clinical trials are not trustworthy.
Fact: You may have heard stories about people who were part of medical experiments without knowing it. When these unethical experiments were revealed, many people demanded change. New laws and rules were put in place to help protect patients in the future.
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