What do you guys think... - Asthma Message Board

scb411 · 09-13-2003, 01:35 AM

...of clinical studies? Because of my low lung functions, and my quick response to the methacholine and the fact that I've lost consciousness with my asthma, I am told I am a "high-risk asthmatic" and was asked if I was interested in a clinical study. I trust National Jewish and my doctors there, just want some other opinions. What do you all think???

QaiphyxXykal · 09-16-2003, 04:13 PM

See what its all about and what the drug is. If it all sounds fullproof and safe, go for it, and if so... Sign me up too! Seriously.

lidia09 · 09-16-2003, 04:23 PM

I took part in clinical studies once & very nearly ended up being admitted as an in-patient because I had such a bad reaction. The drug in question -Becotide had at that time been used for a long time but what I was being subjected to was nebulisers with the drug being diluted in various substances e.g. water & saline.

Young & naive I figured that a little saline or water couldn't do much harm & I'd used the drug before so what could go wrong? The doctor conducting the trial didn't know which he was giving me. After the panic was over & I'd been given drugs to reverse the problem, he told me that he thought the reaction had been caused by the Becotide diluted with water.

Older & wiser I'd now be very cautious about taking part in any clinical trials after that experience!

Lidia

wrin · 09-16-2003, 08:22 PM

The whole reason they do clinical trials is because they don't know if it works.

Take part if you want, realize that it's pretty likely that the drug won't kill you -- but they are on the lookout for really weird side-effects.

All in all it's probably not all that dangerous, but it's still up to you.