Can I take acid reflux medicines while on Mounjaro?

Jump to: Managing reflux on Mounjaro | Medication options | Timing considerations | Take home message

You can take over-the-counter acid reflux medications like Gaviscon with Mounjaro (tirzepatide).

However, before trying medications to treat these symptoms, consider diet and lifestyle changes, as these can effectively manage reflux symptoms without adding extra medicines to your routine.

Research shows that while gastrointestinal side effects like acid reflux are common when starting Mounjaro, they often improve with time as your body adjusts to the medication.

Plus, building healthy habits like eating a diet based on whole foods, sleeping well, and moving more can help to prevent acid reflux in the future so we don’t need to rely on more medication.

We’d recommend speaking with your GP or pharmacist before starting any new medication, even over-the-counter ones, when you’re already taking medicines like Mounjaro.

They can review your medications and medical history to ensure there’s no inherent risk in combining medications.

Managing reflux while taking Mounjaro

Before considering medication, try some of these tips to reduce acid reflux:

• Eat meals based on whole foods and minimise the intake of ultra-processed foods
• Eat smaller meals with protein-rich snacks in between
• Wait an hour or so after eating before lying down
• Prop up the head of your bed by 10-20cm with an extra pillow
• Wear loose-fitting clothes around your waist
• Keep a food diary to identify specific foods that trigger acid reflux

Common trigger foods to consider limiting include:

• Spicy or takeaway foods
• All ultra-processed foods, including cereals, packaged bread, and biscuits
• Fizzy drinks
• Alcohol

Medication options for managing reflux

If lifestyle changes aren’t providing enough relief, several over-the-counter options are available:

Antacids

These provide quick relief by neutralising stomach acid. Common UK brands include:

• Gaviscon (sodium alginate)
• Rennies (calcium carbonate)
• Maalox (magnesium hydroxide)

H2 Blockers

These reduce acid production and work for several hours. Available options include:

• Pepcid (famotidine)
• Zantac (ranitidine)

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

These provide longer-lasting relief for persistent symptoms:

• Nexium (esomeprazole)
• Zanprol (omeprazole)

Timing considerations

Mounjaro slows digestion, affecting how your body absorbs other medications.

Consider these timing strategies:

• Take antacids at least 2 hours before or after your Mounjaro injection
• If using H2 blockers or PPIs, take them in the morning before breakfast
• Space out your medications throughout the day to avoid overwhelming your system

Important safety considerations

Always remember:

• Inform your healthcare team about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter ones
• Some medical conditions may affect which reflux medications are suitable for you
• If you have allergies, discuss alternative options with your healthcare team
• Monitor your symptoms and seek medical advice if they persist or worsen

Take home message

While it’s safe to take acid reflux medications with Mounjaro, start with introducing healthy habits first.

Introducing changes to your eating habits and daily routine can often manage reflux effectively without additional medication.

If you do need medication, work with your healthcare team to choose the most appropriate option for your situation, considering your medical history and other medications.

Second Nature’s medication programme

Second Nature provides Mounjaro as part of our weight-loss programme.

Why should you choose Second Nature over other providers, assuming you’re eligible?

For peace of mind.

Second Nature has worked with the NHS for over 6 years, providing weight-loss programmes across the UK.

While our Mounjaro weight-loss programme is private and not currently used by the NHS, we’ve built the programme focusing on scientific evidence, patient safety, and data security.

We hope that our 6+ years of working with the NHS and building a track record of effective weight-loss results will give you peace of mind to give us a try.