If you respond to an advertisement, however, exercise caution. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, advertisements are sometimes misleading and may make claims that cannot be supported by available data. The use of placebos is controversial, particularly in Phase III trials. Researchers generally agree that placebos are not appropriate if there is a treatment that prolongs life or preserves its quality. In these situations, new treatments are compared with standard therapy.
Discussion continues about what to do in other circumstances.
As a general rule, placebos are not used if the standard treatment is consistently effective. But if uncertainty exists, a placebo is usually considered necessary and ethical provided trial participants are informed about the risks and benefits, have not been coerced into a decision, and their best interests are protected by physicians and appropriate oversight committees. Includes information on understanding trials, deciding whether to participate in trials, finding specific trials, plus research news and other resources. Perhaps the best overall source of information on all clinical trials has been established by Centerwatch. It has information on not only what trials are being conducted, but on important related topics as well.