Thinking about joining clinical trials for asthma but not sure where to start? You are not alone. Many people feel unsure about what to expect, what to bring, or how to get ready. The good news is that preparing for a trial is straightforward once you know what to do.
This guide walks you through every step, from your first conversation with your GP all the way to your first clinic appointment. Whether you have been living with asthma for years or were recently diagnosed, this is everything you need to feel confident and ready.
Step 1: Check Whether You Might Be Eligible
Before you do anything else, it is worth finding out whether you are likely to qualify. Eligibility varies between trials, but most asthma trials look at things like how long you have had asthma, how well your symptoms are currently controlled, and which medications you take.
A good starting point is to read up on how to qualify for an asthma clinical trial with 4MCS, which explains the typical criteria in plain terms. You do not need a referral to express interest, and there is no commitment involved in simply finding out more.
Step 2: Talk to Your GP Before You Apply
It is always a good idea to speak with your GP before joining any clinical trial. Your GP knows your full medical history and can help you decide whether taking part is the right choice for you.
When you speak to them, it helps to mention:
- Which trial you are interested in
- Your current asthma medications and doses
- Any other health conditions you have
- Any recent asthma attacks or hospital visits
Your GP will not be able to make the decision for you, but they can give useful advice and flag anything that might affect your eligibility.
Step 3: Understand How Your Medications May Affect Eligibility
This is one of the most important things to know before you apply. Some asthma medications can affect whether you are eligible for a particular trial. This does not mean you have to stop taking anything, but you do need to be honest about what you take.
The table below gives a general overview of common asthma medication types and the kinds of questions trial teams may ask about them.
| Medication Type | Common Examples | Why It Matters for Trials |
| Reliever inhalers | Salbutamol (blue inhaler) | Frequency of use can indicate how controlled your asthma is |
| Preventer inhalers | Beclometasone, Fluticasone | Dosage and type may affect eligibility criteria |
| Combination inhalers | Seretide, Fostair, Symbicort | Some trials require or exclude specific combinations |
| Oral steroids | Prednisolone | Frequent use may indicate severe asthma, which some trials specifically seek |
| Biologic therapies | Omalizumab, Mepolizumab | These are usually relevant only for severe asthma trials |
The NHS provides a helpful overview of asthma treatment and medication types if you want to understand more about how your current treatment fits into the broader picture.
You do not need to change or stop any medication before your first contact with the trial team. The team will ask you about this during the screening process and give you clear guidance from there.
Step 4: Gather Your Medical Information
When you first get in touch with a trial, and again at your screening visit, you will be asked about your medical history. Having the right information to hand will make this much easier.
Try to gather the following before your first appointment:
- A list of all current medications, including doses
- Details of any previous asthma hospitalisations or emergency visits
- The name of your GP surgery and GP
- Any allergy information
- A record of how often you use your reliever inhaler each week
If you use a peak flow meter at home, bringing a record of your readings over recent weeks can also be helpful.
Step 5: Know What to Bring to Your First Appointment
Arriving prepared will help your first visit run smoothly. Here is what to bring:
- Photo ID (such as a passport or driving licence)
- A list of your current medications (or the packaging/boxes themselves)
- Your GP’s contact details
- Any relevant medical letters or clinic notes
- A way to take notes or a phone to record information (with permission)
- Travel expenses receipts, as these are reimbursed at 4MCS
Wear comfortable clothing, as you may have simple physical checks such as lung function tests or blood pressure measurements.
Step 6: Understand What Happens at the Screening Visit
Your first formal appointment is usually a screening visit. This is not a treatment session. It is an opportunity for the trial team to check whether you meet the eligibility criteria and for you to ask any questions before deciding whether to take part.
To find out exactly what to expect, read our guide on what happens at a clinical trial screening visit. This covers the checks involved, how long it typically takes, and what questions you might want to ask.
Nothing is agreed to at the screening stage. You will be given a full informed consent document to read and sign before any trial activity begins, and you can take this home to read at your own pace.
Step 7: Prepare Questions to Ask the Trial Team
It is completely normal to have questions, and the trial team expects them. Before your visit, write down anything that is on your mind. Some useful questions to consider include:
- How many visits will be required and how long do they last?
- What will happen to my existing asthma medication during the trial?
- What monitoring will I receive throughout?
- What happens if I experience a side effect?
- Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
- Are travel expenses covered?
There are no silly questions. The team is there to help you make an informed decision.
Step 8: Sort Out Your Travel and Logistics in Advance
4MCS has clinic sites in Swinton, Greater Manchester and Ilford, East London. Knowing how you will get there in advance will reduce stress on the day.
Travel expenses are covered for trial participants, so keep any tickets or receipts. If you have mobility needs or require any adjustments to make your visit more comfortable, contact the team ahead of time and they will do their best to accommodate you.
Ready to Find Out More?
If you have read through this guide and feel ready to take the next step, you can find full details on the asthma clinical trial page, including current eligibility criteria and how to get in touch.
You can also call 4MCS directly on 03300 575 838 or email info@4mcs.co.uk.
