Does ET or HU affect liver functions?

I was diagnosed 6/2023, with Essential Thrombocytosis, Jak 2. It took about one year for my oncologist to have me take hydroxyurea 4 x a week including baby asprin every other day. I am curious if anyone else has experienced weight gain on this medication? I have and I walk when it is not raining and ride a stationary bike 3 x a week plus stretching exercises. I continue to gain weight even though I do eat healthy and follow the food that are suggested.
Yes, I have had some of the other side effects as well. This forum is helpful to me.

I just started on HU in December for similar as you. I have noticed a bit of weight gain. It feels like water retention. Not sure.

I was diagnosed in October, 2023 and started HU and low dose aspirin immediately. My Heme/Onc has me get blood tests every two months and we watch for indications that my liver and kidneys are being affected by this treatment. So far, everything looks good. We are all so different in how we react to this medication and disease.

I have ET with jak2 and experience fatigue and occasional headaches, but haven't noticed any changes in liver labs.

Have been on HU for a couple of yrs.

I take HU, 500 mg, 4x week, baby aspirin 2x day, and iron supplements 1x day. I also eat foods high in iron like spinach. I have fatigue, dry skin, feet, and eyes. I also itch but taking a daily dose of Claritin manages the itching. I've been on HU for 2 years and no impact on my liver or kidneys. I do avoid painkillers as they impacted my kidney 8 years ago but they are fine now. I was diagnosed ET/Jak2, 2 years ago at age 69. I see my Heme/Onc every 2 months for full blood work including iron studies and he feels my spleen to make sure that it is not changing. So far, I am stable and doing okay. My platelets were at 800K but have settled in around 520-550K. The blood work's big picture shows that the blood cells' shape and size have improved, so we are sticking with this plan for now. I eat a Mediterranean diet and drink plenty of water and green tea. I avoid processed foods and gave up sodas. Wishing all the best with health in 2025!

et1055, we are all different. We all react differently to medications.

Please, ask your hematologist this important question. (Your GPD may not know anything about ET or HU -- mine sure doesn't.).

And if you wish, share what you learn so we'll all be better informed.

Update on liver function:
I just got off the phone with my hematologist-oncologist. He said he will monitor the bloodwork in six weeks. If it hasn’t gone up, he isn’t concerned, but will follow it more closely. There are a lot of things that can make the liver function tests fluctuate. It can temporarily elevate, depending on medication, illness etc. I am to stay on the same dose of hydroxyurea for the time being. He gave me the OK to go on our trip.😊