Newbie, Considering a Trial

[lastflowerstil]

Hi everyone. Sorry you've probably seen a bunch of these, but I'm considering doing a study in Toronto at Pharma Medica that pays $2200 for a week stay. I've never done a study before, I haven't called them yet, but I just wanted to get some information.

I've been lurking and I see a lot of you are long time lab rats. I was just wondering/worried about long term effects. Have you guys felt anything off since doing your studies? Also, what were some of the worst side effects you felt while in the study? I know everything is different, but it's good to hear some other people's experiences.

Do you have any tips for a person new to this? Basically like everyone else, I need money and I've been applying to jobs for months with no luck. So clinical trials seem to be a decent way to make some money when you are kind of desperate. When do you find out exactly what you are testing for? The studies on the website don't give any information and I'd like to avoid testing certain types of drugs.

Thank you, this board is really informative.

Edit: Forgot I had one more question. It says that there is a Period 1 from Feb 19 to Feb 25 and then a second Period March 19th to 25th. Does that mean I need to go to both periods to complete the study or do I get to choose which period I'd like to participate in?

[mike]

If it's like any normal study, you will have to go to both periods, which makes it a less attractive study monetarily, but not necessarily not worth doing, depending on your situation and circumstances.

I have done roughly 40 studies in the past 5 years, and I recall only 3 times that I felt significant side effects from the drug ( the study I just did being one of them coincidentally )

The reality is with the majority of studies, the dose of the drug is just too small, combined with the fact that you are only taking it once or a few times at most, for it to be likely to cause you any harm.

The only thing I tell people is you have to not mind being stuck a lot, and have a plan for things to do and entertaining yourself while cooped up.

[travelingrat]

hi, my sort-of rule (i have not always been able to follow it, so i guess it is not really a rule!) is : if the study is an "Escalating Dose" study, to try to get into the first cohort or at least the second cohort.

i have encountered side effects a few times and it was always when i was in the 5th cohort of a study, which of course has the highest dose. also, in my experience, the Escalating Dose studies are usually longer, 2-4 weeks, with daily dosing. so 1st cohort is better!

still these drugs are in our bodies for such a short time, my opinion is that we will not suffer long-term effects. however, that is just an OPINION. i did ask a doctor at one of the clinics i go to a lot about this subject. i trust him --he is brilliant AND compassionate -- and that is his opinion as well.

for me, clinical trials are preferable to my other options, so that influences my thinking, of course!

[vark]

"When do you find out exactly what you are testing for? The studies on the website don't give any information and I'd like to avoid testing certain types of drugs."

at the screening visit they explain it and go over a long consent form. also you can call and ask you questions any time they are , and maybe by email.
most places don't send you the consent form by email when you schedule a screening, but they should. it might be slightly different in canada.

[e-mail] is the best email i have for them, although that's their other clinic. if you end up doing the study, give us a report.

[mike]

I heard you talk about it before vark, but what drugs don't you like? Was it schizophrenia drugs?

[lastflowerstil]

Thanks for the replies, guys. So I have to take a muscle relaxer (not related to a trial, just because I have lower back pain got prescribed it today) so I am assuming because of that I wouldn't be eligible for a test right now because I am currently not medication free.

How long after I am done taking the pills would I be able to apply for a study without being rejected? Can the clinics tell if you've taken pills in the past? I.E. Would it be better to just lie and say I haven't taken medication recently or can they tell? Other than these pills, I don't take any other daily medications.

[travelingrat]

hi last flower: if you want to do studies, the less you tell a clinic, the better. i don't want to outright tell you to lie ....but the selection of clinical research subjects is based on rigid and frequently illogical protocols ... think about what you have heard about illogic in the military, and you can get a grasp of the problem.

the worst part is, in the age of computers, you cannot retract anything you have revealed to a clinic. i think many long-term veteran labrats have regrets or know others with serious regrets over info revealed that was meaningless in the long run, but forever cut them off at that particular clinic.

ask your pharmacist how long that particular muscle relaxer will show up in your blood. my GUESS is no longer than 48 hours .... but why not ask someone who really knows?

best wishes to you!

[vark]

Feb 6, 2015 15:50:08 GMT -5 mike said:

I heard you talk about it before vark, but what drugs don't you like? Was it schizophrenia drugs?

no i was quoting someone else forgot to put it in quotes. in studies i have responded badly to naltrexone and alcohol (different studies).

"So I have to take a muscle relaxer (not related to a trial, just because I have lower back pain got prescribed it today) so I am assuming because of that I wouldn't be eligible for a test right now because I am currently not medication free."

you could call anonymously and ask if you'd be eligible to do a study while taking the muscle relaxer. it's odd, but the requirements usually say no other meds, but when you get there they ask what meds you are taking. sometimes they can get some stuff approved. e.g. birth control is a common one.

all in all, doing studies can be a pain in the ***, you have to decide if the discomfort is worth the paycheck.