Does anyone have any experince being part of a research study?

I'm specifically interested in hearing from people who were part of medical research/drug studies and were paid for it.





I'm just wondering if there are any serious risks involved.

Does anyone have any experince being part of a research study?
As someone who has had experimental studies approved through Institutional Review Boards or Independent Ethics Committees (IRB or IEC), I can tell you it is pretty much impossible to design a study where subjects would be hurt more than helped. In accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and HHS regulations, an IRB has the authority to approve, require modifications in, or disapprove research outright. An IRB performs critical oversight functions for research conducted on human subjects that are scientific, ethical, and regulatory.





Prior to starting the study you will be asked to sign an informed consent. This document will inform you of all the risks even ones that will seem very small to you. I would read the document and ask questions about any risks that concern you. Then decide if you want to sign it.





The IRB/IEC that approved your study approved the research after safeguardeding the rights, safety, and well-being of all trial subjects. Special attention is paid to trials that include vulnerable subjects, such as pregnant women, children, prisoners, the elderly, or persons with diminished comprehension.





he IRB may only approve research for which there is a bona fide informed consent process (discussed above) for participants, for which the risks to subjects are balanced by potential benefits to society, and for which the selection of subjects presents a fair or just distribution of risks and benefits to eligible participants.





In my opinion the risks are very likely quite small in contrast to the possible gain, particularly as you might receive a cutting edge treatment if you have a serious condition. If you are a healthy subject just out for the money the risk is also minimal.





I often participated in studies as an undergraduate for compensation of some kind. If you live near a medical school there may be many opportunities. As one might expect, the more invasive the treatment the more you will make.
Reply:I personally have never done it but a friend of mine does it ALL the time.


It just depends on what kind of drug they are testing. He has been doing it for a year now and hasn't had any side effects or any problems at all.....yet. (knock on wood)
Reply:I did one about 10 years ago and it changed my life.





I suffered from GERD and saw an ad for a study for a new drug to treat my symptoms. I signed up and was approved for the study.





Made $300.00 and was put in contact with a doctor who was able to identify the fact that I had a very serious case and need surgery to repair the problem, as after about 3 years the drugs stopped working.





I have been GERD free for about 7 years now.





As far as risks are concerned I would depend on exactly drug they were studying. They will explain the risks to you prior to the start up.





Good Luck.