upon joining the study you complete the initial set of questionnaires, including the braf‑mdq fatigue questionnaire, the braf‑nrs severity, effect and coping scales, and the eq‑5d‑5l health survey. you also undergo a physical examination that records the number of swollen and tender joints (out of 28), a pain rating on a visual analogue scale (0‑100), and a disability assessment using the haq. a blood sample is taken to measure c‑reactive protein levels.

the information collected at this visit serves as the reference point (baseline) for all later comparisons.

after the baseline visit you are randomly assigned to one of two groups. if assigned to the test group you receive apovit b1 vitamin ekstra stærk tablets; if assigned to the control group you receive matching placebo tablets. the tablets look identical.

you take one tablet by mouth each day for a total of four weeks. the test tablet contains thiamine hydrochloride at a dose of 1800 mg per tablet; the placebo tablet contains no active substance. the tablets are taken with water and may be taken at any convenient time of day, but the same time each day is recommended.

you keep a simple diary noting each dose taken to help ensure that the daily schedule is followed.

at the end of the four‑week treatment period you return for a follow‑up visit. the same set of questionnaires completed at baseline is repeated, including the braf‑mdq, braf‑nrs, and eq‑5d‑5l. the physical examination, joint counts, pain rating, disability assessment, and blood test for c‑reactive protein are performed again.

the data collected at this visit are compared with the baseline values to evaluate any changes.

after the four‑week visit the study medication is stopped and no further study‑specific procedures are required.