I was diagnosed with ET last November and have been on HU ever since. It has brought my platelet count down from 792 to 203-206, with the only side effect was a headache off-and-on that subsided when my dosage was reduced. So many people facing this diagnosis are terrified at taking Hydroxyurea because is it a chemotherapy medication. I've read hear that some are afraid to even touch the capsule - if that was dangerous, I doubt the drug would be distributed in a way that allowed it to be handled. Anyway, please don't avoid this medication if your hematologist has recommended it - there are no foods, supplements, etc. that are anywhere nearly as effective. HU can save your life and make ET a very manageable disease.