Frequently Asked Questions
What is a research study? How am I protected?
All pharmaceutical companies conduct clinical trials, or research studies, on investigational medications to determine if the new medications will provide greater benefits compared to medications currently available on the market. These medications have not yet been FDA approved. Before research studies are performed with human participants, pharmaceutical companies conduct extensive pre-clinical animal studies to determine if the investigational medications will be safe and effective in humans. Research participants are highly protected by FDA regulations as well as Good Clinical Practice guidelines. Each research participant reads and signs an informed consent prior to performing any study-related procedures. The informed consent explains the purpose of the study, procedures to be performed, associated risks or benefits of the investigational medication, and any financial compensation for participating in the study.
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Why would I want to be in a research study?
By participating in a research study, you may be helping others who have the same disease. Research studies provide access to expensive study-related lab tests, physical exams, EKG's, dietary counseling, etc. free of charge. People who participate in research studies are taking an active role in their disease process.
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What is a placebo? What does double-blind mean?
A placebo is a tablet or capsule with no active ingredients and looks like the medication being tested. Double-blind means that neither you nor the research site knows who is receiving the actual study medication or placebo. Double-blinded studies utilize a placebo as a "control group" to determine the safety and effectiveness of the study medication while eliminating any biases or influences the research site may have on the participants.
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What are the potential side effects of the study medication?
Potential risks and benefits of the study medication are listed in the informed consent. Please discuss any questions or concerns you may have with the study coordinator. Our dedicated research team is committed to providing a positive experience for our study participants.
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Can I continue my medication?
Depending upon the study requirements, participants can usually continue taking their current prescription and/or over-the-counter medications. However, some medications are not allowed in the study. Our recruiters and study coordinators will review medication requirements with each study participant prior to enrolling in the study.
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What should I tell my family doctor?
Please discuss any research participation with your family doctor at your discretion. You can take a copy of your informed consent to discuss with your doctor. Our study team will gladly answer any questions or provide additional information to your doctor regarding the study.
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How long are the visits?
Length of visits depends upon the specific study-related procedures to be performed. Initial screening visits can average two to three hours, while follow-up visits may last 30 minutes or less. Appointment times are also dependent upon the study procedures. Appointments are scheduled during regular clinic hours Monday-Friday from 6:30am to 4:00pm CST. Your study coordinator will be able to provide exact appointment times and the approximate duration of each visit.
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What do I do if I become sick or my doctor wants me to start taking a new medication?
If you become ill or your doctor wants to start a new medication while you are actively involved in a research study, please contact your study coordinator as soon as possible. Some prescription and/or over-the-counter medications are disallowed during the study. The study coordinator will need to record the symptoms you are experiencing as well as any new medications prescribed.
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Do I get paid to be in a research study?
Most pharmaceutical companies provide financial compensation to research participants to cover expenses for time and travel. This information is usually located in the informed consent. Our recruiters and study coordinators will also have information regarding any financial compensation.
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Will the study medication be available after the study has ended?
New drug availability is dependent upon FDA approval. However, open-label medication study extensions-where every participant receives the actual study medication-often follow the completion of the main research phase and will be available to participants who sign a new consent form.
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Who do I contact to participate in a research study?
Our recruiters are available to discuss currently enrolling research studies at (210) 615-5555. You can also complete the
Research Participation Survey. Your information will be matched with currently enrolling studies and you will be contacted by our recruiters.
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What if I do not qualify for any currently enrolling studies?
Please contact our recruiters at (210) 615-5555 or complete the
Research Participation Survey. Since new studies begin often, having your information in our database ensures your opportunity of being contacted to participate in a new study.
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Do you have studies for "healthy" participants?
dgd Research often performs research studies utilizing "healthy" participants. For a list of our currently enrolling studies by location, please visit the
Currently Enrolling Studies section or contact our recruiters at (210) 615-5555.
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Do I have to give up my family doctor if I participate in a research study?
Participating in a research study does not replace the care provided by your family doctor. dgd Research studies benefit each participant by providing highly supervised, one-on-one medical attention from licensed healthcare professionals at no cost. This specialized attention is additional to your family doctor's care.
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What if I change my mind and want to quit the study?
Participating in research is completely voluntary. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in a study, please contact the study coordinator to relay your decision to withdraw from the study. Most studies require a termination visit to perform follow-up lab work, physical exams, etc. and to have all study medication returned to the research coordinator.
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Can I participate in more than one study?
Due to FDA rules and regulations, participants can only enroll and be actively involved in one research study at a time.
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