Adverse events with placebo: representative of real life?

Bandolier 115 examined evidence about non-drug adverse events from two studies that collected adverse event information in young people without any disease and taking no medicine. The duration was three days, and symptoms were indicated from proffered lists.

Given that these were young men and women in their 20s, what was astonishing was the frequency with which adverse events were noted, with fatigue particularly common, but others also, like headache, joint and muscle pain, sleepiness, and inability to concentrate appearing frequently. Only 17% noted no symptoms, and many had multiple symptoms.

Clinical trials record adverse events in a number of ways, and …