How would you like to have access to some of the top physicians in the field while saving big on health care costs?And getting paid for it too! Sounds good doesn't it?If you have arthritis, the solution may be as simple as picking up your telephone.
Some of the top arthritis centers in the country run clinical trials.
These are research studies involving new arthritis medicines.
Clinical trials are used to get important data on the safety and effectiveness of medicines.
The data is used to secure FDA approval for use of these medications with specific types of arthritis.
The value of clinical trials is that: 1.
The drugs that are being tested have already been tested extensively in both animals as well as human beings.
2.
They are often as effective or even more effective than drugs that are already available.
3.
Participation in a clinical trial gives you the opportunity to try the medicine with generally no cost to you as a participant.
Some people are worried about being treated like a guinea pig.
Granted, these drugs have not received full FDA approval.
However, while you participate in a clinical trial, youreceive extensive testing including blood, x-rays, electrocardiograms, and other tests that ordinarily would cost a lot of money.
In addition you are not locked in.
Participation in a clinical trial is entirely voluntary and you can leave at any time.
The furor that occurred with the Vioox debacle has considerably tightened scrutiny and regulation over the conduct of arthritis clinical trials.
While it's almost impossible to prevent side effects, it is possible to foresee and forestall most serious ones.
The best arthritis centers adhere to a strict code called Good Clinical Practices.
They also follow what are called Standard Operating Processes.
To determine whether the place you're considering visiting does this, just ask to see their procedures manuals.
Some people feel that time constraints may be a problem.
Usually, the center conducting the trial will trial will try to work the visits into your schedule.
The other major objection is the chance you will get a placebo.
A placebo is essentially a "sugar pill".
Not the real medicine.
One thing you should know is that in almost all arthritis research trials, the chance of getting a placebo is only about 1 in 4.
In some trials it is 1 in 6.
Keep in mind another secret...
the placebo response in arthritis trials is as high as 30-40%!That means even if you get the sugar pill, the chances are pretty good your arthritis will improve about 30-40% anyway.
And, again, as mentioned earlier, you can stop anytime.
You're not locked in.
Here's another important reason to consider calling.
Sometimes the tests that are run during the course of a clinical trial, especially the screening process, can detect life-saving problems.
According to Dr.
Nathan Wei, a clinical researcher in Frederick, Maryland, "About once or twice a year we'll find a problem that was unsuspected by the patients.
We've had one patient with an aortic aneurysm we picked up on chest x-ray.
He underwent emergency surgery that saved his life.
We had another patient where the EKG picked up on a heart condition that led to life-saving bypass surgery...
" Before volunteering here are some important tips...
oFind out the background of the researcher.
Admittedly, there has been bad press regarding some researchers who are "bad apples.
" Ask about the researcher's credentials.
Questions like "How long have they been in practice?" What is their research background (Answers like, "He has been at the National Institutes of Health for training" can go a long way to reassuring you of expertise and quality!) oFind out if the informed consent papers will be sent to you for you to review.
This is important.
You want to review this document carefully.
oMake sure the informed consent document is explained fully to you if you decide to visit the center.
oMake sure you understand the details of the study.
The staff should explain it to you in laymen's terms.
oFind out what phase (1,2,3,4) is being tested.
Phases 2,3,4 are generally less time intensive.
oFind out what costs might be incurred.
usually, only study related costs are covered.
oSome studies actually pay you a stipend to cover your costs of travel.
Find out if your costs will be covered.
oFind out if there is "open label" access to the medicine during the study.
This is a real perk.
This means that you will receive the real medicine at some point during the study.
Arthritis medicines can cost several thousand dollars a year so the opportunity to get open label is a real plus! oFinally, get a feel as to whether the center is genuinely interested in your welfare.
The best centers place your safety and well-being at the top of their agenda! Finally, be aware of this one important issue.
Your volunteering may help others with the disease.
As one study participant recently said, "I am now enrolling in my second knee study--and am very glad that I can participate in something that may help future generations.
Since arthritis runs in my family--my two little girls may have the risk of getting this disease.
I may be able to help change that!" The Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland is interested in volunteers with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Call (301) 694-5800 for more information.