In many clinical trials, one group of patients will be given an experimental drug or treatment, while the control group is given either a standard treatment for the illness or a placebo. A blinded study is one in which participants do not know whether they are in the experimental or control group in a research study. Those in the experimental group get themedications or treatments being tested, while those in the control group get a standard treatment or no treatment. A double-blind study is one in which neither the participants nor the study staff know which participants are receiving the experimental treatment and which ones are getting either a standard treatment or a placebo. These studies are performed so neither the patients' nor the doctors' expectations about the experimental drug can influence the outcome.
Side effects are any undesired actions or effects of drug or treatment.
Negative or adverse effects may include headache, nausea, hair loss, skin irritation, or other physical problems. Experimental treatments must be evaluated for both immediate and long-term side effects. Gain access to new treatments that are not available to the public. Obtain expert medical care at leading health care facilities during the trial. The treatment may not be effective for you.