Hi @dragonflylynda. For clarification, you actually have PV (polycythemia vera) caused by a defect in the JAK2 gene. There isn’t a condition called jax2.

While HU is toxic, so are thousands of other medications we take on a daily basis. There’s some caution suggested for handling this medication in case there is any of the powder on the outside of the capsule or tablet so there’s no contamination of surfaces or anyone else being exposed to the drug.
You don’t need to wear gloves but you’re encouraged to not hold this in your hand. Often people take the medication by putting the pill in little plastic dosage cup or even a little Dixie bathroom cup and tip it into their mouths without touching with their hands.
You can swish your mouth first with water, then tip the pill in, swallow with more water. You may want to follow with a swishing of water in your mouth.
If you do touch the pill, simply wash your hands well. Many people take the pill with water, milk, or follow with applesauce.

Since you’re new to the PV diagnosis, I’m going to post a reply I wrote just a couple hours ago to another new member @lindakay55 who was recently diagnosed with PV. Here is the reply…read through it because there’s a link to an informational page on Polycythemia Vera so you have a better understanding of this blood condition:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1464122/
The reply is one of many in the discussion for newly diagnosed people with PV that you might want to read through; Here is that discussion
Polycythemia Vera: Just diagnosed. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/polycythemia-vera-1/

Millions of people all over the US and the world take HU for their PV. It is a first line treatment for PV and can be quite helpful in keeping the condition under control. I hope you’ll relax a little and trust the process. These medications can work to keep you healthy and enjoying life.

How were you diagnosed with PV? Were you having symptoms or was this found through routine blood work?