Research studies, especially clinical trials, often compare a standard treatment with a potential new treatment. Researchers hope that the new treatment will be better than the old one, but there is always the chance that it will not work as expected. No one can predict how a research study will affect you. It may not help you directly, but your participation may provide valuable information that will help others in the future. If you have a disease that the doctors are studying, you may notice that the new treatment makes you feel better. While the treatment may help, it may cause unpleasant side effects. Side effects can make you feel nauseated, dizzy or depressed. There can be other side effects, as well, depending on the treatment. You should always discuss possible side effects with your doctor, but keep in mind that when doctors give you a new drug, all the side effects may not yet be known.
If you participate in a research study, your doctor may require more visits and tests than you would otherwise need. You may also have to keep a log, fill out forms about your health or do other tasks that will help doctors with their research. In addition, some studies continue to follow up with patients even after the study ends. Sometimes, subjects are granted stipends to help pay for out-of-pocket costs associated with the study, such as added travel.
