Does Ozempic Cause Heartburn? Exploring the Link Between Ozempic and Acid Reflux

Does Ozempic Cause Heartburn?

Ozempic (semaglutide) has quickly emerged as a top medication for type 2 diabetes treatment and also for weight loss. While it has numerous beneficial effects, some people notice heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach pain after starting the medication.

In this blog, we’ll cover whether Ozempic causes heartburn, why it happens, how common it is, and what you can do to effectively treat it.

Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that:

Decreases blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes

Suppresses appetite and helps with weight loss

Slows gastric emptying (how quickly food leaves your stomach)

While slowing digestion can help with blood sugar control and appetite, it can also lead to gastrointestinal side effects, including heartburn.

⚠️ Can Ozempic Cause Heartburn?

Yes, Ozempic can cause heartburn or acid reflux in some individuals. Less commonly reported than nausea or diarrhea, acid reflux has been reported by users and occurred in real-world use and in a few clinical experiences.

The main explanation is delayed gastric emptying. Since Ozempic slows down how quickly food exits the stomach:

Food spends more time in the stomach

Pressure builds up in the digestive tract

This can push stomach acid up the esophagus and cause heartburn or acid reflux

???? How Common Is Heartburn on Ozempic?

Heartburn is not one of the leading side effects in clinical trials, but numerous users report it anecdotally—especially when:

Starting Ozempic

Dosing up to higher quantities (1 mg or more)

Taking the injection on an empty stomach

Other Digestive Side Effects Frequently Reported With Ozempic:

Nausea

Bloating

Gas

Burping

Constipation or diarrhea

If you’re experiencing heartburn while taking Ozempic, here are some tips that may help:

✅ 1. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Large meals can increase stomach pressure and worsen reflux. Smaller meals reduce the chance of acid backup.

✅ 2. Avoid Trigger Foods

Spicy, acidic, and fatty foods can aggravate heartburn. Try limiting:

Coffee

Chocolate

Citrus fruits

Tomato-based sauces

Fried foods

✅ 3. Stay Upright After Eating

Wait 2–3 hours after eating before lying down to prevent reflux.

✅ 4. Experiment with the Timing of Your Injection

Some people have fewer side effects if they inject Ozempic at night, or after eating.

✅ 5. Talk to Your Doctor about Antacids

Mild heartburn can be relieved with over-the-counter antacids like:

TUMS

Pepcid

Omeprazole (discuss with your provider first)

❌ Call Your Healthcare Provider When

If your heartburn becomes frequent, is painful, or gets in the way of your daily life, discuss it with your doctor. You may need:

A dosage adjustment

A different GLP-1 medication

Evaluation for other underlying GI issues (e.g., GERD)

Never stop Ozempic on your own without talking to your healthcare provider first.

If heartburn persists and cannot be managed with lifestyle change or antacids, your provider may switch you to:

Wegovy (semaglutide for weight loss) – same medication, different dosage

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) – tolerated by some better

Lifestyle and diet-oriented weight loss programs

While Ozempic-caused heartburn is not among the more common side effects, it does affect some people. The good news is that it’s usually manageable with some simple lifestyle modification, diet, and medical attention.

If you’re experiencing heartburn while on Ozempic, don’t ignore it—your comfort and treatment success matter.