How to Join High Cholesterol Clinical Trials

In 2003, more than 8 million Americans participated in clinical trials of new drugs and new medical devices. The benefits of joining a high cholesterol clinical trial include gaining access to promising new drugs, receiving drugs at no charge, participating in the development of new treatments that might benefit you and others and being one of a small percentage of people to receive the treatment. Some clinical trials even provide a stipend to participants to compensate them for time and travel expenses. And remember, involvement in a clinical trial is voluntary. You can withdraw at any time for any reason.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Join High Cholesterol Clinical Trials

1. Visit the ClinicalTrials.gov Web site for information on federally and privately supported clinical trials (see Resources below). There are currently almost 200 clinical trials listed for high cholesterol.

2. Determine which trials are still recruiting patients.

3. Review the list of drugs being studied and the conditions they are meant to treat.

4. Discuss any clinical trial you wish to join with your family doctor. He or she can answer questions about the issues and decision you are facing. If you fully understand your condition, you can work closely with your doctor to make the best decision for you.

5. Call the trial site. The coordinator will ask you questions to determine if you meet the basic requirements of the clinical trial. If you do, they will arrange for you to visit the site for an interview. During the interview, you'll be asked questions about your health. Medical exams and blood tests are usually performed.

6. Familiarize yourself with all the aspects of the trial before you join. Everything regarding the study should be explained to you by the doctor or specialist conducting it. Ask questions and demand explanations before signing a consent form.

Tips & Warnings

• Be fully informed about a clinical trial before you join. You should understand the purpose of the clinical trial, be aware of who is paying for it and know if the experimental treatment is being compared with a standard treatment. You should also ask who will pay if something goes wrong during or after the trial or you need extra medical care and whether or not you will be allowed to stay on the treatment after the study has been completed.
• If you join a high cholesterol drug trial, you may have to stop taking your current medication. Your condition could get worse, and the treatment may have unexpected side effects. You could also be one of the patients receiving a placebo and hence no treatment at all.

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