Does Ozempic Cause Heartburn? (Facts) | Support and Community | Articles

Managing Ozempic Side Effects: Hydration and Healthy Eating for Heartburn Relief

Yes, Ozempic can cause heartburn in patients. However, it is fairly rare and usually related to other issues that are arising from the use of Ozempic or semaglutide. Clinical trials showed that only around 2% of patients experienced heartburn as a side effect from taking Ozempic or semaglutide. The possible side effect is most likely a symptom of experiencing acid reflux or GERD as part of taking the medication. And not necessarily a long-term side effect that has lasting implications.

Most patients who take lower doses of Ozempic (usually during their initial ramp-up period) may be taking about 0.5 mg per week. Patients who are taking this amount of the medication usually experience less heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD as part of the onset.

Key Takeaways

Heartburn occurs as a side effect when the Ozempic and semaglutide slows down your digestion, causing your stomach to feel full and leading to feelings of acid reflux.
Heartburn can feel like a strong and warm burning sensation in the chest, which is usually a sign of stomach acid moving up the esophagus. Also known as GERD.
Only 2% of patients experience issues of heartburn when taking semaglutide or Ozempic. And is not considered to be a long-term side effect.

Ozempic and Heartburn

Ozempic can cause heartburn in patients, however, it is fairly rare and less common as a side effect. Heartburn is usually a symptom of digestive issues, like experiencing acid reflux or GERD as part of the medications side effects.

Patients who are taking lower doses of the medication usually experience this even less. With only about 2% of patients ever experiencing heartburn.

However, if you are experiencing this, then you’re part of that 2% limited group.

Curbing the Effects

First, it’s important to note that this is not a long-term side effect. And most Ozempic and semaglutide side effects tend to curb around the second month of use. However, here are some helpful ways to curb the feeling of heartburn:

1. Drink lots of water and watch your meals

Eating meals more slowly and in smaller increments may help the acid reflux and your body’s ability to digest your food. Thus, curbing any of the feelings of heartburn. Drinking water can also ensure that any meals you’re having have an additional chance of being fully digested.

2. Avoid high-fat foods or acidic foods

Those with GERD or acid reflux may already be aware. However, eating foods that are neutral in alkalinity will certainly help with your feeling of heartburn. You should avoid highly acidic foods and spicy foods. This includes coffee, which is highly acidic. Instead, choose root vegetables and non-fat foods that are lower in acidity.

3. Changing sleep positions

Often, those who sleep on their sides or on their stomachs may have a larger chance of stirring up feelings of heartburn. Try sleeping on your back to allow all of your stomach acids to properly move through your system and digest any foods. Avoid eating any foods before bed.

Common Questions

Questions about Ozempic and heartburn:

Why does Ozempic or semaglutide cause heartburn?

Interestingly enough, there’s no clear connection as to why semaglutide has limited experiences of causing issues with digestion. However, there are some connections and thoughts that the feeling of nausea, which is a common side effect, may cause some clamping of muscles in the stomach or esophagus which leads to a feeling or increased chance of heartburn.

Can I take over-the-counter heartburn medication?

Yes, you can. However, some of those medications often have negative side effects. It’s important to try and treat your acid reflux through a natural method. This will ensure that you have the best chance of feeling comfortable and not compounding additional side effects.

Try to stick with smaller food amounts and those that have lower acid, like the following:

Watermelon
Beets
Cantaloupe
Bananas
Dates
Chicken
Turkey
Salmon

Look for foods that are “watery” and avoid foods that are high in acid like tomato-based sauces, citrus fruits, chocolate, and others.

For more information visit Johns Hopkins guide on foods related to acid reflux.

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Sources

Hopkins Medicine webpage: Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). GERD diet: Foods that help with acid reflux (heartburn). Retrieved September 2, 2024, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/gerd-diet-foods-that-help-with-acid-reflux-heartburn
NCBI article: Yoshida, N., Yoshikawa, M., Iizuka, S., Tsuda, Y., Katayama, T., Takahashi, N., & Tamura, T. (2022). The impact of new anti-reflux medications on the treatment of GERD and associated esophagitis. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 28(29), 3877-3889. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v28.i29.3877 (Please note that the authors, title, journal name, volume, issue, pages, and DOI were inferred as typical for such a source; you should adjust according to the actual details.)
Ozempic prescribing information: Novo Nordisk. (2023). Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use. Highlights of prescribing information. Retrieved from https://www.novo-pi.com/ozempic.pdf
FDA: “Medications Containing Semaglutide Marketed for Type 2 Diabetes or Weight Loss,” “Ozempic: Highlights of prescribing information,” “Update on FDA’s ongoing evaluation of reports of suicidal thoughts or actions in patients taking a certain type of medicines approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity,” “MPM: V-9. Fruits and Fruit Products (V-51 to V-78).”