Now we were over the Atlantic, and for whatever reason, the attendant returned with Aleve, Compazine and Maalox.

WSJ: Marisa Acocella Marchetto on the Flight Attendant From Hell | Traveler's Tale

The medications typically in short supply are generally low cost drugs such as morphine sulfate, zofran, compazine, reglan, ativan and valium.. The shortages often involve injectable drugs which are more technically difficult to manufacture than oral medications.

FORBES: Drug Shortages Compromise Emergency Medical Care

It contained a dose of morphine for breakthrough pain or shortness of breath, Ativan for anxiety attacks, Compazine for nausea, Haldol for delirium, Tylenol for fever, and atropine for drying up the upper-airway rattle that people can get in their final hours.

NEWYORKER: Letting Go