Astronauts on a mission to Mars may face a unique challenge when it comes to expired medications. Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine have found that astronauts, much like those of us on Earth, can suffer from common ailments like aches, pains, allergies, and trouble sleeping while in space. The difference is, astronauts on a voyage to Mars would have to deal with expired medications without the possibility of resupply, as the nearest pharmacy is 150 million miles away.
Daniel Buckland, an assistant professor at Duke University, led a study that assumed a three-year journey to Mars with no chance for medication restocking. They found that out of the 106 medications available on the International Space Station, only 91 had shelf life data. Shockingly, 54 of these medications had a best before date of less than 36 months when stored in their original packaging. Some medications, like eye drops or allergy pills, would expire after just two years.
While expired medications may still work, they are likely to be less effective. The degradation of medicines in microgravity is not well understood, and the harsh conditions of space travel, such as elevated radiation levels, could further reduce their efficacy. In a press release, Buckland emphasized the importance of understanding the shelf life of medications in space to ensure the health and performance of astronauts on long-duration missions.
The researchers published their findings in the journal NPJ Microgravity, highlighting the need for a better understanding of pharmacologic parameters in space. They stressed that pharmaceuticals are crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of astronauts on exploration missions. Without proper planning, expired medications could pose serious risks to the crew’s health and safety.
So, while taking expired DayQuil on Earth might be inconvenient, the consequences for astronauts on Mars could be far more severe. Perhaps future missions to the Red Planet will include plans for an “astropharmacy” to ensure the health and safety of those brave enough to venture into the unknown depths of space.
