Every study has specific criteria that determines who is eligible to volunteer, such as requirements about volunteers age, gender, or general health. The study coordinator can tell you specifically about what factors may be considered for eligibility. Clinical research is regulated and monitored by the Food and Drug Administration to protect volunteers safety. In addition, an independent group of community members, called an Institutional Review Board, oversees all the procedures of a clinical trial to protect patient safety, risk, and confidentiality. While a drug is still under investigation, the effects of it both good and bad are not fully known.
Any medication can cause minor, temporary side effects.
More rarely, a medication can cause serious, permanent side effects. All volunteers for clinical trials are educated about the potential risks or side effects of a study medication. To participate in a clinical trial, a volunteer must read and sign an informed consent form . The form lists all known potential side effects of the study medication. Before signing, make sure you understand any and all risks.