Yes. Clinical trials are regulated by government departments with heavy emphasis on the safety of participants. As administrators of clinical trials it is our duty to put the safety of participants first and foremost in everything we do.

A placebo is a fake medicine. It appears to be the real thing and is essential in clinical research to be sure that any symptoms participants feel is because of the actual study drug. 

It is possible to get a placebo. Many trials use a placebo to improve scientific integrity. Some trials however will switch participants from the placebo to the real study drug after a period of time. It all depends on chance.

There could be. Many new therapies come with side-effects. As time goes on side-effects have tended to be less prominent, but there is a possibility that you could get side-effects.

Side-effects are most often minor.

This is part of why clinic visits and staying in touch with the clinical team is so important.

Statistically most people who get side-effects are likely to continue using the drug anyways, because they believe the trade-off to be worth it.

For most if not all of our currently recruiting trials qualified participants can receive compensation for time and travel.