What questions should I ask before joining a clinical trial?

While you may have your own list of questions to ask, these are a good starting point.

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Questions to ask your doctor:

Do you think this clinical trial is right for me?
Why are you recommending a clinical trial/this trial for me?
How do you think I will benefit from participating?
What are my risks if I join or do not join?
Do you know if I meet the requirements to join the trial?
Is there any information about the safety or efficacy you can share?
How many people are on this clinical trial?

Questions to ask the clinical trial team at the clinical trial site:

How is the treatment being studied different from regular treatments or standard care?
Will you work with my doctor?
Have similar clinical trials been done? What were the results?
Will I get a placebo?
Who will pay for my participation in the clinical trial? Will there be any cost to me personally?
Will I need assistance from a family member or friend?
Where do I have to go to participate? How often?
Will I have to change my daily habits?
Will I have tasks to do on my own at home?
Will I be able to work, exercise, take my regular medications, etc.?
What kind of tests will I have?
Will I have to stay in a hospital?
What do I do if I have reactions to the treatment?
What if I get sicker during the trial?
Can I talk with others in this trial?
Can I still see my family doctor or primary care physician during the clinical trial?
What are the risks if I am pregnant or become pregnant during the clinical trial?
What other options do I have?
Can I leave the clinical trial at any time?
What happens after the clinical trial?

Questions to ask as a caregiver:

As a caregiver, what can I expect? Will I be asked to do certain tasks?
What changes should I look out for?
How is the experimental treatment taken or used? How can I help?
Who do I contact with questions?
What support/resources does the clinical trial team offer caregivers?
What financial support does the clinical trial team offer participants and caregivers for expenses (for example, parking, travel, meals, etc.)?

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The purpose of this website is to offer education and information to patients and their families and friends, the public, and healthcare professionals about the clinical trial process. In addition, the website will provide specific information about Astellas clinical trials. Please read the complete Astellas Transparency Policy to learn about the clinical trial information available on this website