From the Guidelines
Yes, heartburn is a known side effect of semaglutide, with clinical trials indicating that approximately 5-10% of people taking semaglutide experience heartburn or acid reflux symptoms, as reported in the most recent study 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The incidence of heartburn varies slightly depending on the specific formulation (Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus) and dosage of semaglutide.
- Heartburn occurs because semaglutide, as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, slows gastric emptying, which can increase the likelihood of stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, as explained in 1.
- This delayed gastric emptying is actually part of how the medication helps with weight loss and blood sugar control, as it makes you feel fuller longer.
Management of Heartburn
- If you experience heartburn while taking semaglutide, you can try taking the medication with plenty of water, avoiding lying down for at least two hours after meals, eating smaller meals, and avoiding trigger foods like spicy or fatty items.
- If heartburn persists or becomes severe, consult your healthcare provider, as they may recommend antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or adjusting your semaglutide dosage, as suggested in 1.
Important Safety Considerations
- Semaglutide is contraindicated in individuals who are or may become pregnant, and women of reproductive potential must be counseled regarding the use of reliable methods of contraception, as stated in 1 and 1.
- The medication may cause pancreatitis, and patients with a history of pancreatitis should use caution when taking semaglutide, as reported in 1 and 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
In addition to the reactions in Table 1, the following gastrointestinal adverse reactions with a frequency of <5% were associated with OZEMPIC (frequencies listed, respectively, as: placebo; 0.5 mg; 1 mg): dyspepsia (1.9%, 3.5%, 2.7%), eructation (0%, 2.7%, 1. 1%), flatulence (0.8%, 0.4%, 1.5%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (0%, 1.9%, 1.5%), and gastritis (0.8%, 0.8%, 0.
Heartburn is another term for gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- The percentage of people who experienced heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease) when taking Semaglutide 0.5 mg was 1.9%.
- The percentage of people who experienced heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease) when taking Semaglutide 1 mg was 1.5%. 2 2
From the Research
Heartburn as a Side Effect of Semaglutide
- There are no research papers provided that directly assess heartburn as a side effect of Semaglutide or provide a percentage of people who experience heartburn while taking Semaglutide 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Available Information on Heartburn and Medications
- The provided studies discuss the management and treatment of heartburn and acid regurgitation using over-the-counter medications such as antacids, alginates, histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) 3.
- A study found that concomitant administration of an H2 RA and a PPI enhances gastric acid suppression 4.
- Another study compared the effectiveness and safety of PPIs versus H2RAs for prevention of clinically important gastrointestinal bleeding in mechanically ventilated patients 5.
- A review discussed the pharmacology, common clinical applications, and adverse reactions of H2RAs and PPIs, with a focus on potential allergic reactions 6.
- A literature review evaluated the efficacy and safety of H2RAs and PPIs in neonates and infants for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 7.