How do you stop acid reflux on Ozempic?

Two percent of users have heartburn on this Rx. These six tips can help alleviate it.

By Heidi Borst | Sep. 30, 2024 Medically reviewed by Jesse P. Houghton, MD, FACG

Key takeaways

Acid reflux is reported by 2% of Ozempic users, with varying degrees of severity.
The duration of heartburn can vary greatly, ranging from a few hours to several days, and it is influenced by personal factors such as diet and medication dosage.
Dietary adjustments like consuming smaller meals and avoiding trigger foods can effectively alleviate symptoms.
Remaining upright post-meal and avoiding food and beverage triggers are practical strategies to reduce heartburn.
Consult your healthcare provider before using antacids alongside Ozempic to ensure safe and effective management of acid reflux symptoms.

In this article:

Ozempic heartburn
Duration
Causes
Treatment
The bottom line

In this article

Ozempic heartburn
Duration
Causes
Treatment
The bottom line

Ozempic (active ingredient semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that is FDA approved to manage Type 2 diabetes in adults in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. Like other medications in its class, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, Ozempic mimics the actions of GLP-1, a hormone that controls appetite and stimulates insulin release. Although it’s not approved for weight loss, it’s often prescribed off-label for obesity.

While Ozempic effectively manages blood sugar levels and achieves weight reduction, it’s not without side effects, including heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux. The good news? If you experience heartburn symptoms while taking Ozempic, there are plenty of things you can do to minimize your discomfort. Keep reading for expert tips to keep Ozempic heartburn at bay.

Does Ozempic cause heartburn?

Yes, Ozempic can cause heartburn and other gastrointestinal side effects in various ways, says John Nathanson, MD, a gastroenterologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York. “It can slow gastric emptying (the passage of stomach contents into the intestines), which can increase intragastric pressure, causing stomach contents to reflux back into the esophagus and cause the sensation of heartburn,” he explains. Reflux can also cause difficulty swallowing, backwash of stomach acid into the throat, and upper stomach or chest pain.

According to the drug’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, clinical trials showed that about 2% of patients experienced heartburn and acid reflux while taking a 0.5 mg dosage. Although some patients may endure severe heartburn, most people tend to experience mild to moderate symptoms, says Sazan Sylejmani, Pharm.D., owner and pharmacy manager at Westmont Pharmacy in Illinois. He says heartburn typically lasts two to four weeks as the body adjusts to Ozempic, though it may recur with dosage increases.

The most common side effects of Ozempic include:

Nausea: 15.8%
Vomiting: 5.0%
Diarrhea: 8.5%
Abdominal pain: 7.3%
Constipation: 5.0%

In rare cases, Ozempic may cause the following serious side effects:

Increased risk of thyroid cancer
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Severe stomach pain that won’t go away, with or without vomiting
Vision changes
Kidney injury (even in those without kidney disease)
Serious allergic reactions
Gallbladder disease

How long does acid reflux from Ozempic last?

Dr. Lahey says that the duration of acid reflux from Ozempic varies with each individual. While symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks as the body adjusts to the medication, he notes that dosage, medical history, digestive system health, and diet affect how long they last.

Why does Ozempic cause heartburn?

While the exact reason Ozempic causes heartburn has not been established, it could be due to its impact on gastric emptying and stomach acid production, says Dr. Lahey. Because Ozempic slows down the rate at which the stomach empties, he says it may cause increased pressure within the stomach, potentially leading to reflux. Dr. Sylejmni adds that some users report “Ozempic burps” or belching caused by altered digestive tract function from Ozempic.

How to stop acid reflux on Ozempic

To effectively manage reflux while taking Ozempic, experts suggest the following lifestyle changes:

1. Change your dietary habits

To reduce acid reflux, Dr. Nathanson recommends limiting common heartburn triggers. They include spicy foods, high-fat foods, acidic foods (like tomato and citrus), onions, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, and carbonated products. In addition, eating smaller, more frequent meals and staying well-hydrated can help minimize abdominal pressure that may trigger acid reflux.

2. Change your position

To prevent heartburn and assist digestion, stay in an upright position for two to three hours after meals. When it’s time to turn in, Dr. Lahey suggests sleeping with the head of your bed raised about six inches. He adds that lying on your left side reduces the amount of stomach acid that flows back up from the stomach to the esophagus.

3. Wear loose clothes

Tight clothing that adds pressure on the stomach can worsen acid reflux, says Dr Lahey. That’s because constrictive clothes, especially around the waist, can put additional pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This muscle allows food to enter the stomach and prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. To avoid reflux, stick to loose, comfortable clothing.

4. Use over-the-counter antacids

Dr. Nathanson recommends using an OTC antacid like Tums, Maalox, Gaviscon, or Pepcid. Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid and can provide quick relief from heartburn discomfort. Prilosec or Nexium can help with severe reflux symptoms, but be sure to seek guidance from a healthcare professional if they are needed more than temporarily.

5. Try some ginger

Although there is little direct evidence sipping ginger tea or using a ginger supplement can help with reflux, ginger is known to support digestion. One recent study found that ginger effectively reduces esophageal inflammation and GI tract irritation in individuals with functional dyspepsia (FD). This digestive disorder causes fullness, pain, belching, nausea, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.

6. Consult a healthcare provider

If you experience persistent or worsening heartburn while taking Ozempic, Dr. Lahey advises seeking medical advice. If your heartburn continues or even intensifies, your provider may adjust your Ozempic dosage or suggest other ways of easing the symptoms.

The bottom line

Acid reflux isn’t the most common side effect of Ozempic, but it does occur in about 2% of those taking the diabetes medication. If you experience heartburn on the medication, you can change your eating habits, stay upright after meals, try OTC antacids, and use other strategies. Always consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms are bothersome or unmanageable.