Debunking common myths about clinical trials. Read more myths and facts at phrma.org
Myth: Clinical trial volunteers are merely human guinea pigs
Fact: Strict guidelines are in place to ensure that you and all other clinical trial volunteers are treated fairly and ethically. Before an investigational drug can be given to people who volunteer to participate in clinical trials, scientists must complete a rigorous screening and preclinical testing process, and all participants must undergo a thorough informed consent procedure to understand their rights.
Myth: Informed consent is just reading and signing a piece of paper
Fact: There are two principal components of informed consent: an informed consent document includes all the information you will need to help make a decision about taking part in the clinical trial; the informed consent process provides you with ongoing explanations that will help you make educated decisions about whether to begin or continue participating in a trial. Thus, informed consent is an ongoing, interactive discussion, rather than a one-time informational session.
Myth: Clinical trials are dangerous because they use new practices and medicines
Fact: Clinical trial participants receive investigational drugs after a rigorous testing process and review by an institutional review board. Participant safety is a top priority and is frequently and rigorously assessed by researchers for the duration of the trial.
Myth: Once I decide to participate in a clinical trial, I will not be able to change my mind.
Fact: Clinical trials rely on voluntary participation. You are free to leave a clinical trial at any time, even after you have signed an informed consent and received the investigational drug or placebo.
Myth: Being in a clinical trial won’t help me.
Fact: If you choose to participate, you may have the opportunity to receive an investigational drug that is not available to people outside the trial. And, your clinical trial research team will watch you closely and may provide you opportunities for additional tests and lab work that might not be part of your usual care. Some trial volunteers also report great personal satisfaction in the fact that they have played a key role in advancing medical science that will help more people live longer, better lives.
