Lindsay[Update: Even though below I said I’d rather lick my dog’s feet than take ivabradine again, I called the researcher and volunteered to participate. She said I wouldn’t have to stop taking a beta blocker during the study, which makes no sense and seems like it will totally skew the results, but that’s up to them. Guess I better get to licking.]
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You may remember back in June I posted about a clinical study being conducted at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of ivabradine (brand name: Corlanor) in POTS patients.
I had a telephone call with the researcher back in June, as I was desperate to try ivabradine, and presumed the study began a few weeks later. Apparently there was a snag in the plan, and I received a call from the researcher today notifying me that they are only recruiting for the study now. Here’s what they are looking for:
- Subjects aged 18-45.
- Subjects must have POTS diagnosis
- Subjects with no structural heart disease
- Subject with no arrhythmias
- Subjects with norepinephrine levels greater than 600 pg/ml
- Subjects with normal CBC, Metabolic, and thyroid levels
The study lasts for 3 months, although you don’t take ivabradine that whole time. The information available does not indicate whether its a paid study, or if travel will be covered. But, if you’re not located in San Diego but are able to travel, it’s worth giving them a call. My mom participated in a PSP trial at UCSD and all of her travel (airfare, hotel, meals) was covered. [Update: I talked to the researcher and they are not paying for travel. Out of staters are still welcome, but you’ll have to cover your own travel expenses].
For more information about the study, or for the contact email address/phone number, visit this site.
If you read my last post, I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear that I would rather lick my dog’s feet than take ivabradine again, but this could be a really great opportunity for someone who wants to try ivabradine (especially someone whose doctor isn’t willing to prescribe it), and for someone who wants to help future treatment for POTS patients.
“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” – John Holmes (not the porn star)
Smell ya later.
– Linds