Understanding Gout Study Placebo Effects: Side Effects & What to Expect

Question
Dear Maggie,

My brother has been participating in a gout study for about 8 months.  It is a double-blind study; he has IV infusions and blood drawn regularly.  He is in his 40's and was diagnosed with gout years ago.  

When he has an infusion, a couple of days later he has side effects, such as swelling and tenderness, which he reports.  

If he is getting the placebo, what might they be infusing him with?  Would the placebo be causing side effects?  Can he assume that because he is suffering from side effects that he is getting medicine instead of a placebo?

Thank you for your time in answering these questions.  It is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,
Linda  

Answer
I don't think he can make an assumption either way about whether he's being infused with a placebo or the medication.  It should say right on his consent form what exactly the placebo is made of, in case he happens to be allergic to that substance.  Ask your brother to refer back to the consent form he signed. Good question!
Maggie Smith, RN, MSN