The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has purchased $290 million worth of radiation sickness medication to treat radiation sickness in the event of a nuclear accident.

The agency said it purchased the drug Nplate from Amgen USA Inc. as part of a long-standing, ongoing effort to be better prepared to save lives in the event of radiological and nuclear emergencies.

Acute radiation syndrome caused by exposure to a high dose of radiation can cause a number of symptoms. Severe cases can lead to devastating effects on the body, including bone marrow destruction and internal bleeding, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nplate, which can be used in both adults and children, aims to reduce uncontrolled bleeding, often caused by radiation.