Questions for the Clinical Trial Team

  • Who is sponsoring the trial?
  • What is the purpose of the clinical trial?
  • What kinds of tests and treatments are involved?
  • How might participating in the trial affect me?
  • What are the possible risks and side effects of this treatment?
  • What are the possible benefits of this treatment?
  • How do the possible risks and benefits of the study compare with my current treatment?
  • How long will the trial last?
  • Who will pay for the treatment? Will I be reimbursed for other expenses?
  • What costs will my health insurance cover?
  • What type of follow-up care is part of the study?
  • Will results of the trial be provided to me? How will I be told?
  • How will my health information be kept private?
  • What happens if I decide to leave the trial?
  • Who will be in charge of my care? Will I be able to see my own
  • doctor?
  • Can I keep using the treatment after the study if it works for me?

Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Dermatologist

  • What are my other treatment options, including standard treatments?
  • How does the treatment I would receive in this trial compare with the other treatment choices?
  • What will happen to my alopecia areata without treatment?
  • Will I be able to count on your continued support throughout the clinical trial?

Questions to Ask Yourself

  • What are my personal reasons for participating?
  • Do the possible benefits of participating outweigh the possible risks?
  • Do I have all the information I need to feel informed in my decision including what is expected of me as a participant, my rights as a participant, and who to contact if I have questions or need help?

Clinical Trial Common Terms

Medical interventionPrincipal investigatorEligibility criteriaProtocolInformed consentInstitutional Review Board (IRB)