If you are over 60, have JAK2, you are at moderate clot risk and doc will recommend 500 mg HU per day. Docs usually want you to get a blood count every week or two for a couple months to see if that dose is working. Dose may be adjusted up or down over the first year.

Most people do not notice big issues on the dosage you are taking. I've been on 500 mg per day + extra cap on MWF for 6 years. I have noticed some hair thinning, occasional constipation, canker sores that last 24 hours or more, and dry skin.

My migrains, fatigue, and visual distortions, cleared up after going on HU.

So I would say my quality of life is better on HU.

Most of the people on here do fine with HU. A few don't. Often those with the worst reactions have doctors who start them on high doses of HU (yours is not) or have adverse reaction to all medication. But there is no way to predict how you'll react until you try it.

I too a couple weeks off work when I went on HU because I was afraid I would have adverse reaction. I went back after two days because I felt fine.

As others have noted: Wear sun screen and wash your hands after touching the pills. (I tip mine into a paper pill cup, so hands never touch them.)

Did your doc also prescribe an anti nausea drug? I never had to take mine, but if the HU upsets your stomach at first that can be helpful.

Keep us posted.