What are the top risks?

Spaceflight may accelerate the breakdown of pharmaceuticals. As a result, medications could become less effective or even degrade into toxic byproducts that might make crew members sick. Space radiation may contribute to the reduced shelf-life of substances, but unraveling why these drugs degrade and how to better protect medications or even reformulate them are areas of ongoing research.

What can be done about it?

NASA scientists are investigating what packaging techniques may help extend the shelf life of pharmaceuticals on long-duration missions. They are also studying exactly which drugs will be most essential for multi-year missions, and how those drugs may degrade to better ensure crews will not be exposed to any toxic materials.

Did you know?

The International Space Station has two medical kits, offering approximately 190 different medications including pain killers, antihistamines, and sleep aides.

Formal risk description: Risk of ineffective or toxic medications during long-duration exploration spaceflight