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.
What Is Ozempic?
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.
Why Does Ozempic Cause Heartburn?
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
Tips to Control Heartburn Caused by Ozempic
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.
Options If Ozempic Heartburn Persists
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
Final Thoughts: Does Ozempic Cause Heartburn?
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.