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🔥 Side Effect Guide

Managing Reflux & Heartburn

Learn how to prevent and manage acid reflux and heartburn symptoms while on GLP-1 medications through dietary changes and medication options.

Educational Purposes Only

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any treatment or medication.

Why It Happens

GLP-1 medications slow gastric emptying, which means food stays in your stomach longer. This delayed emptying can increase pressure in the stomach and contribute to acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) and heartburn. Additionally, the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter can allow stomach acid to move up into the esophagus, causing that burning sensation.

Dietary & Lifestyle Strategies

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Avoid Trigger Foods

Limit or avoid fried, fatty, greasy foods, sugary foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and spicy foods. These can worsen reflux symptoms.

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Eat Small, Frequent Meals

Instead of large portions, eat smaller meals throughout the day. This reduces stomach pressure and gives your digestive system less work at once.

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Avoid Late-Night Eating

Finish eating at least 2-3 hours before bedtime. Lying down with a full stomach makes it easier for acid to flow back into the esophagus.

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Additional Lifestyle Tips

  • Elevate the head of your bed 6-8 inches to prevent nighttime reflux
  • Avoid tight-fitting clothing around your abdomen
  • Maintain a healthy weight (which GLP-1s help with!)
  • Don't lie down immediately after eating
  • Stay upright for at least 2-3 hours after meals
  • Chew gum after meals to increase saliva production (helps neutralize acid)
  • Quit smoking, as it weakens the lower esophageal sphincter

Medication Options

If lifestyle changes aren't enough, over-the-counter and prescription medications can help manage reflux symptoms.

*Please consult your healthcare provider before starting new OTC medications.

1

H2 Blockers (First-Line OTC)

H2 receptor antagonists reduce stomach acid production:

  • Famotidine (Pepcid): 10-20 mg once or twice daily
  • Can be taken preventively before meals
  • Works within 1 hour and lasts up to 12 hours
  • Safe for daily use
2

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs provide stronger, longer-lasting acid suppression:

  • Omeprazole (Prilosec): 20 mg once daily
  • Esomeprazole (Nexium): 20 mg once daily
  • Lansoprazole (Prevacid): 15-30 mg once daily
  • Take 30-60 minutes before first meal of the day
  • May take 1-4 days to reach full effect
  • Safe for daily use under medical supervision
3

Antacids (For Quick Relief)

Fast-acting relief for occasional heartburn:

  • Tums, Rolaids, Maalox: As directed on package
  • Works immediately by neutralizing stomach acid
  • Short-lasting effect (30 minutes - 1 hour)
  • Best for occasional symptoms, not daily prevention

💡 Tip: Antacids can interfere with absorption of some medications. Take them 2 hours apart from other medications.

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When to Contact Your Provider

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Symptoms that don't improve with lifestyle changes and OTC medications
  • Difficulty or pain with swallowing
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Blood in vomit or black, tarry stools
  • Chest pain (seek immediate medical attention - could be cardiac)
  • Severe or worsening symptoms

References

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