Acid reflux and heartburn are known side effects that can happen as your body adjusts to Mounjaro. But what’s the difference between them, and how can you best manage it?

Here, we explain what causes it and what you can do. 

Key points: 

• Mounjaro can sometimes cause acid reflux and heartburn, which is its most common symptom. 

• Simple lifestyle and diet changes, like eating smaller meals and avoiding lying down after eating, can help ease symptoms. 

• Over-the-counter remedies like Gaviscon or prescribed medicines may help if symptoms persist. 

The difference between acid reflux and heartburn 

Acid reflux and heartburn are closely linked, but they’re not exactly the same thing.  

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid moves up into the oesophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. This can cause a burning sensation, a sour taste in your mouth, or even the unpleasant feeling of food coming back up. 

Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux. It’s that hot, uncomfortable feeling in your chest or throat that happens when you have acid reflux. So, while acid reflux is the process, heartburn is one of the feelings it causes. 

How does Mounjaro cause acid reflux and heartburn?  

Mounjaro slows down how quickly your stomach empties after eating. This helps you feel full for longer, which is great for appetite control. However, because food and stomach acid stay in the stomach for more time than usual, it can increase the chance of acid travelling back up into the oesophagus. That’s why some people taking Mounjaro may get acid reflux. As heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux, it’s likely to occur when this happens.

Mounjaro and heartburn  

Heartburn is actually a symptom of acid reflux, and it’s often the first thing you notice when reflux starts. It’s usually manageable with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, but it helps to understand the difference between the two: 

• Heartburn is a symptom, not the condition itself. 

• Acid reflux is the process of stomach acid flowing back up into the oesophagus. 

• Heartburn relief doesn’t always mean reflux has stopped. It just means the symptom has eased. 

• Reflux can still happen without obvious symptoms, which is sometimes called silent reflux. 

Knowing this can help you keep an eye on symptoms and manage reflux more effectively over time. 

Mounjaro acid reflux 

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus. This can cause irritation and a range of symptoms, and heartburn is just one of them. It’s also possible to have acid reflux without feeling heartburn at all, which is known as silent reflux. Here’s what to look out for: 

• A burning feeling in the chest (heartburn) 

• A sour or acidic taste in the mouth 

• Burping or feeling bloated after eating 

• A sore throat or hoarse voice 

• A feeling of something ‘stuck’ in the throat 

• Coughing, especially at night or after eating 

• Bad breath or a constant need to clear your throat 

That’s why paying attention to these less obvious signs is essential. Even without heartburn, acid can still irritate the throat and airways over time, so getting the proper support early can help prevent ongoing discomfort or complications. Understanding your symptoms, whether classic or ‘silent’, makes managing reflux easier. 

Dealing with acid reflux  

If you have acid reflux while taking Mounjaro, a few simple changes can often make a big difference. To help reduce discomfort, you can try: 

• Eating smaller meals 

• Avoiding lying down straight after eating 

• Cutting back on spicy or fatty foods

Many people also find relief from home remedies or over-the-counter treatments, while some may need prescription support if symptoms persist. 

Home remedies for acid reflux  

A good place to start if you want to ease acid and support digestion is with simple home remedies. These gentle fixes often help before the need for medication. 

Sugar-free gum  

Chewing sugar-free gum increases saliva production and the amount you swallow, which helps wash acid back down into your stomach. Try to avoid peppermint flavours though as it’s thought they can sometimes trigger reflux. 

Baking soda  

A teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water can temporarily ease symptoms by neutralising stomach acid. It’s best used occasionally rather than regularly, as frequent use can affect the body’s natural acid balance. 

Probiotics  

Probiotics – found in yoghurts or supplements – help maintain healthy gut bacteria and may support smoother digestion. This can reduce bloating and stomach pressure, which may help prevent reflux from flaring up as often. 

Acid reflux treatments 

If home remedies aren’t enough, there are effective medicines that can help reduce stomach acid and protect you from unpleasant symptoms. 

Over-the-counter medicines  

Antacids like Rennie and other remedies such as Gaviscon can quickly calm stomach acid. They are usually taken when symptoms start or after meals. They work within minutes and are often enough to ease mild or occasional discomfort. 

Prescription only medications

For ongoing or more severe reflux, your doctor might prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole or lansoprazole. These work by reducing acid production over time and are usually taken daily under medical advice. 

Dealing with heartburn  

Heartburn can be uncomfortable, but there are plenty of ways to ease the burning feeling in your chest or throat. Small changes to what you eat and drink can make a big difference. 

Heartburn home remedies (what to eat and drink for heartburn)  

Certain foods and drinks can help soothe heartburn and support better digestion. Here are some popular examples.  

Ginger tea  

Ginger has natural calming properties that can help settle your stomach. Sipping ginger tea slowly after meals may ease burning.  

Low-fat milk or yoghurt  

Low-fat milk or plain yoghurt can coat the stomach and help cool the burning sensation from heartburn. Avoid full-fat versions, which can sometimes make symptoms worse. 

Lean proteins 

Switching to lean meats like chicken or fish can ease digestion and reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. Try baking or grilling your protein instead of frying.

Alkaline foods 

Foods that are naturally less acidic – like bananas, melons and green vegetables – can help settle your stomach and reduce irritation in your throat and chest. 

Heartburn treatments  

If diet and lifestyle changes don’t fully relieve heartburn, medications can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. 

Over-the-counter medicines  

Because heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, the treatments are similar. Antacids can bring quick relief and are usually taken when symptoms appear. 

Prescription only medications  

If heartburn continues despite these treatments, your doctor may suggest PPIs to tackle the reflux that’s causing it. These medicines reduce acid production and are typically taken as part of a longer-term treatment plan. 

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