Clinical trials are research studies that are conducted to develop new and better treatments for health conditions. They are carefully controlled and monitored to ensure the safety of participants. Participation is voluntary and usually provides benefits such as free medications, treatments or treatment related services. Another huge benefit of participating in a clinical trial is that participants have access to medications or treatments that are unavailable to the general public.
There are some disadvantages to participating in clinical trial. Sometimes, study protocols restrict the participant from receiving certain other treatments. There may be unpredictable side effects or complications of study drugs. It is also possible that participants will unknowingly receive a placebo, which is a substance that is known to provide no benefit.
To find out what clinical trials might be available to help you, talk to your cystic fibrosis health providers. CF centers are often the first to know when a trial is enrolling new participants in your area. You can also find local and nationwide trials by searching the National Institute of Health’s clinical trial clearing house.
