Medical Studies

[Mugen123]

Not exactly a career but I didn't know where to put this.. has anyone ever done those medical studies? What are they like and how much do generally get paid? Is there a list somewhere that I can check to see which studies I'm eligible for?

[sockhead]

You mean like clinical testing? I worked at a CRO that did phase 1 testing, mostly bioequivalencies. You can choose the study you sit for, and I seriously recommend you don't do anything relating to hormonal supplements, hormonal replacements, tricyclics, anti-depressants, and any mood/brain chemistry altering drugs. Stick to things that you know, generic NSAIDs are good for starters. I wouldn't mind the cholesterol and heart meds either.

Seriously, don't touch those things for treating psychosomatic illnesses.

The pay is quite good. I remember we were paying 700 or something for a 2.5 day study, that was done in two phases. I think if you complete two 2.5 day phases of the study you get the full amount which was something like $2000. I remember they had week-long studied that paid something like $7000 total for 2 phases. As a volunteer, you basically get free reign within the constrains of the study, you can bring a laptop or watch movies and do whatever. The clinical associates will take samples from you (blood or otherwise) and periodic intervals, and this may require that you don't move or lie down or something. Other than those times when they're taking readings though, you're pretty much free to do what you want.

[Mugen123]

that doesn't sound bad at all, would you happen to know where I can find places that do these tests so I can see which ones I'm eligible for?

[Krox]

http://www.biovail-cro.com/

I've heard this one advertised on the radio numerous times. Never gone myself, nor known anybody who has gone.

Although, I had some friends that did "donations' before. The money was pretty good but the screening was pretty extensive and time consuming.

[EM_K19]

I have a friend who works at Pharma Medica, and he told me pretty much what sockhead said... it's good pay, they treat you like Kings but stay away from anything psychosomatic. I heard that if he manages to recruit someone himself, then he can also get a bonus! :D

But getting past the screening isn't easy as one may think from what I've heard. I believe typically more females are needed than males, fit certain age and health requirements, you obviously cannot have any drugs in your system, and etc etc.

[the_cure]

I actually just signed up for a test today. I go in for 2 days and then take 3 weeks off and go in for another 2 days. Some osteoporosis pill that's already on the market. Pays 1200. I'll be working in between it too so it's a great addition. Unfortunately diarrhea's a sideeffect.

[wils3005]

Not exactly a career but I didn't know where to put this.. has anyone ever done those medical studies? What are they like and how much do generally get paid? Is there a list somewhere that I can check to see which studies I'm eligible for?

I've done studies off and on for about 12 years now. I've done them at Biovail ( http://www.biovail-cro.com/forthcomingStudies.htm ), Apotex ( http://www.apotex.com/ca/en/research/clin_contactinfo.asp ), and Pharma Medica ( https://www.pharmamedica.com/myPMRI/currentStudies.asp ).

I've never been picky about the drug being tested. The only side effect I've ever experienced is a headache, with one exception: I once threw up a pill at Biovail. Note that they will give you a list of every side effect anyone has ever reported while on the drug, so the list tends to be fairly long.

It's not exactly hard work. If you hate needles, I suppose the experience is less enjoyable; you will have quite a few blood samples taken.

The staff are all pretty nice, too.

I can probably answer more specific questions if you have them.

[MoreMiles]

I actually just signed up for a test today. I go in for 2 days and then take 3 weeks off and go in for another 2 days. Some osteoporosis pill that's already on the market. Pays 1200. I'll be working in between it too so it's a great addition. Unfortunately diarrhea's a sideeffect.

The problem is, they don't need to pay top$$$ if they are sure diarrhea is the only side-effect. They are interested to see if there is anything else can go wrong

[shawn99]

wow people actually consider being human guinea pigs, money means nothing if the drug gives you a bad permanent lasting effect

[sockhead]

wow people actually consider being human guinea pigs, money means nothing if the drug gives you a bad permanent lasting effect

Technically, the money is "compensation"... the moral reason that CROs give for people going to do testing is to advance the science.

Probably a bit of ******** there of course.

[wils3005]

The problem is, they don't need to pay top$$$ if they are sure diarrhea is the only side-effect. They are interested to see if there is anything else can go wrong

I'm afraid you don't understand what kind of studies these are, and would guess you've never actually done one.

They are not testing for drug efficacy or for side effects. That is a different kind of study for when a new drug is not yet at market. The studies done at CROs such as Biovail et al are bioequivalence studies, comparing a generic formulation pill with an established drug that is already at market.

In other words, they're making sure the generic pill enters the blood at the same rate as the brand name pill.

There is of course risk with taking any drug. However, that risk is not exclusive to bioequivalence study drugs; it applies to prescription and OTC drugs as well.

[Mugen123]

I've done studies off and on for about 12 years now. I've done them at Biovail ( http://www.biovail-cro.com/forthcomingStudies.htm ), Apotex ( http://www.apotex.com/ca/en/research/clin_contactinfo.asp ), and Pharma Medica ( https://www.pharmamedica.com/myPMRI/currentStudies.asp ).

I've never been picky about the drug being tested. The only side effect I've ever experienced is a headache, with one exception: I once threw up a pill at Biovail. Note that they will give you a list of every side effect anyone has ever reported while on the drug, so the list tends to be fairly long.

It's not exactly hard work. If you hate needles, I suppose the experience is less enjoyable; you will have quite a few blood samples taken.

The staff are all pretty nice, too.

I can probably answer more specific questions if you have them.

Thanks a lot I called all 3, seems like these studies fill up pretty quickly, hopefully something comes up soon