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- Approximately 5% of people taking Wegovy experience heartburn or acid reflux symptoms.
- Heartburn symptoms can be exacerbated by certain foods, large meals, and lying down shortly after eating.
- Managing heartburn while on Wegovy involves dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and potentially over-the-counter medications.
- Over-the-counter remedies for Wegovy-induced heartburn include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
- Most side effects of Wegovy tend to lessen or disappear after a few weeks of treatment as the body adjusts.
- Wegovy is also approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in adults with cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight.
- It’s important to consult with healthcare providers about any persistent or severe side effects experienced while using Wegovy.
Wegovy can potentially cause heartburn as a side effect in some users. According to clinical studies and patient reports, approximately 5% of people taking Wegovy experience heartburn or acid reflux symptoms, which are often manageable with lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter treatments.
Common triggers for heartburn with Wegovy
Certain foods and habits can exacerbate heartburn symptoms in individuals taking Wegovy. Common triggers include spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, caffeine, and carbonated beverages.
Eating large meals or lying down shortly after eating may also increase the likelihood of experiencing heartburn.
Additionally, Wegovy’s mechanism of action, which slows digestion, can contribute to prolonged exposure of stomach acids to the esophagus, potentially worsening reflux symptoms.
To minimize heartburn while on Wegovy, patients are advised to avoid known trigger foods, eat smaller, more frequent meals, and remain upright for at least 3 hours after eating.
It’s important to note that while these triggers are common, individual responses may vary, and patients should work with their healthcare providers to identify and manage their specific triggers.
Managing heartburn with diet and lifestyle changes
Managing heartburn associated with Wegovy or other causes can be effectively achieved through diet and lifestyle modifications.
Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding large meals, especially late in the day, can help reduce reflux symptoms. It’s important to identify and limit consumption of trigger foods, which often include fatty, spicy, or acidic items, as well as chocolate, coffee, and carbonated beverages.
Maintaining an upright posture for at least two to three hours after eating can prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.
Elevating the head of the bed and avoiding lying down soon after meals can also alleviate nighttime reflux. Additionally, losing excess weight, quitting smoking, and wearing loose-fitting clothes can help reduce pressure on the stomach and minimize heartburn symptoms.
When implemented consistently, these lifestyle changes can significantly improve GERD symptoms and overall digestive comfort.
Over-the-counter remedies for Wegovy-induced heartburn
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can effectively relieve heartburn associated with Wegovy use. Antacids like TUMS or Rolaids neutralize stomach acid and offer quick, short-term relief.
H2 blockers such as famotidine (Pepcid) reduce acid production and can be taken before meals to prevent heartburn.
For more persistent symptoms, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole may be recommended, though these should be used under medical guidance.
Some patients find relief from natural remedies like chewing sugar-free gum or consuming ginger. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication, especially when taking Wegovy, as some OTC treatments may interact with the drug or affect its absorption.