Ozempic and Heartburn: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Is heartburn typical during Ozempic treatment?

Ozempic’s clinical studies didn’t specifically report heartburn as a side effect. But the prescribing information for Ozempic injections and Ozempic tablets notes the following mild side effects that are often linked to heartburn.

• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Also called acid reflux, this can cause a burning feeling in your chest, neck, or throat. It can also cause a bitter or sour taste in the back of your mouth and regurgitation of food or liquid.
• burping or belching
• dyspepsia (indigestion): This side effect can cause burning or discomfort in your upper abdomen, along with other symptoms.
• gastritis (inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining): This side effect causes nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen.
• gas

Since the drug became available, some people have reported on social media that they have experienced heartburn during Ozempic treatment. Although it can be mild, some people taking the drug reported intense heartburn. Some also reported that it affected their sleep and some of their everyday activities.

How to treat and relieve Ozempic heartburn

Some people find home remedies or practices helpful in stopping heartburn during Ozempic treatment. These include:

• drinking more water
• drinking a glass of water mixed with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
• avoiding lying down until the heartburn passes
• using a wedge pillow or elevating the head of your bed

Numerous medications are also available over the counter or by prescription for heartburn. Some of these medications help prevent heartburn or acid reflux, and others treat it once it starts. These medications include:

• Antacids: Antacids neutralize your stomach acid, which may reduce or treat heartburn. Some brand-name antacid medications are:
  • Alka-Seltzer
  • Mylanta
  • Pepto-Bismol
  • Rolaids
  • Tums
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs work to reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. Some examples are:
  • esomeprazole (Nexium)
  • pantoprazole (Protonix)
  • omeprazole (Prilosec)
• Histamine-2 (H2) blockers: H2 blockers reduce the acid your stomach produces. Some H2 blockers are:
  • nizatidine (Axid)
  • famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC)
  • cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB)

Your doctor may recommend a particular medication for your heartburn and acid reflux. They’ll also recommend the best time to take it.

Tips to prevent heartburn during Ozempic treatment

Here are several things you can do to help prevent or lessen acid reflux during Ozempic treatment:

• Eat smaller meals.
• Eat slower.
• Avoid eating meals and snacks 3 to 4 hours before bedtime.
• Avoid lying down soon after meals.
• Stop smoking (if you smoke).
• Limit use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
• Avoid or limit your intake of alcohol.
• Find ways to relieve stress.
• Avoid or limit foods that can cause heartburn.

Foods to avoid or limit

Certain foods can contribute to the amount of acid your stomach produces, which may cause heartburn. These foods are:

• certain beverages, such as carbonated drinks, tea, and coffee
• fatty, greasy, or fried foods
• fast foods
• spicy foods
• certain fruits and vegetables high in acid, such as tomatoes, pineapples, and oranges

Avoiding or limiting these foods may help prevent or reduce the heartburn you might experience during Ozempic treatment.

Takeaway

If you experience heartburn (acid reflux) during Ozempic treatment, several remedies and lifestyle changes can help relieve or prevent it. These include avoiding or limiting certain foods, limiting the use of certain medications, and reducing stress. Your doctor can also recommend or prescribe medication to help you avoid heartburn.