I started taking HU and baby aspirin when my platelet count was 792, and over the course of a few weeks my count dropped to 192-202 and has been holding there for 6 months. Yes, there are a lot of potential side effects, as there are with any prescription medication, but don't let the potential side effects scare you off from what can be live-saving treatment. I take my HU with meals (I take 500 mg twice a day, 4 days a week - initial treatment was twice a day, 7 days a week) and my only side effect was headaches early-on. As my body adjusted and the dose was decreased, the headaches disappeared and I have had no other problems.