Thoughts from a Lab Rat

One of the biggest questions or concerns people have about clinical research is the side-effects. Am I concerned about it? Well, of course. When you see a TV commercial for a medication, the narrator will rattle off a mile long list of potential side-effects. It is important to remember that these are all of the side-effects that may have occurred during the clinical trials. It does not mean that everyone had all of the side-effects. Different people tolerate, absorb and have different reactions to drugs. While a certain pain medication will work wonders for most, there are some people who won’t have any effect from it. That said, the entire purpose of conducting clinic research studies is to see what side-effects occur and how effective a drug is.

In order to advance medical science, there is no other way to prove a drug than “the proof is in the pudding” as in doing the research studies. The people who participate in these studies should be commended for their willingness to help medical science. It is also important that the people who do these studies understand the risks involved. While some people would be willing to do almost anything for money, the vast majority see volunteering as a meaningful way to earn some extra money.