Benefits

Clinical trials that are well-designed and carefully executed are the best treatment approaches for eligible participants to play an active role in their own health care. It allows participants to gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available. Participants are also able to obtain expert medical care at leading health care facilities
during the trial. Through their participation in studies, oftentimes, the subjects are helping others by contributing to medical research.

Risks

There are risks to clinical trials, such as side effects and adverse reactions, or the possibility that the treatment may not be effective for the participant. Some of side effects to the studies may be unpleasant, or even serious. Negative adverse reactions may include problems like nausea, insomnia, or other similar problems, depending upon the medication that is being tested. Experimental treatments must be evaluated and monitored for both immediate and long-term side effects. Every clinical trial in the U.S. must be approved and monitored by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to assure that the risks are as low as possible and are worth any potential benefits. The study may require time and attention for trips to the study site, extensive memory testing, or complex dosage requirements.