GLP-1 Heartburn and Diarrhoea Treatment Pack

What is the GLP-1 Heartburn and Diarrhoea Treatment Pack?

All medications cause side effects and GLP-1s are no exception. While they are highly effective for weight loss and type 2 diabetes, their most frequent side effects are gastrointestinal (relating to the stomach and intestines). This means that indigestion/heartburn and diarrhoea are some of the most common side effects (2).

Find out more about how side effects compare between different GLP-1 treatments.

We know that coping with side effects can be difficult, and in many cases, can make it harder to stick to your weight loss treatment (3). Long-term success using weight loss medication requires being able to manage your side effects while on an effective dose of treatment. That is why knowing which other medications may help keep any adverse effects under control is helpful.

What is Gaviscon and how does it help GLP-1 side effects?

Gaviscon is the brand name of an acid reflux medicine. It also acts as an antacid to treat heartburn and indigestion. Each of these are side effects associated with GLP-1 use (1).

Gaviscon acid reflux tablets work in three ways:

1. It contains sodium alginate that reacts with stomach acid to create a protective foam layer that floats on top of stomach contents.

2. This foamy layer stops acid from coming back up into your oesophagus.

3. It also contains antacids that help to neutralise stomach acids.

Together, these actions help to reduce the pain and other effects caused by acid reflux (4). Gaviscon can be bought over the counter and does not require a prescription.

What is Loperamide and how does it help GLP-1 side effects?

Loperamide is another over the counter medication and is more commonly known by the brand name Imodium.

It works by slowing down the wave-like movements that push food and fluid through your digestive system. It also reduces the amount of water that your stomach releases into your bowel movements. This gives your bowel more time to absorb water, meaning your stools become firmer and you need to pass them less often and with less urgency. It is a medication recommended for people experiencing diarrhoea, which we know is a common side effect of taking GLP-1 medication (5).

Loperamide is not a treatment for constipation.

Can I take Gaviscon and Loperamide alongside Wegovy, Mounjaro or Foundayo?

Neither Gaviscon or Loperamide have any known contraindications with Wegovy injections, Mounjaro or Foundayo. This means that they should be able to be taken with them safely.

However, it is advisable to maintain at least a 2-hour gap between Gaviscon and other oral medicines including the Wegovy pill. This is because the antacid mechanism can potentially interfere with their absorption. Since the Wegovy pill should be taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before food and water intake, you should not take Gaviscon in the two hours before your oral Wegovy tablet is due.

If you have concerns, you should always get medical advice first from your doctor or pharmacist.

Who should not use this GLP-1 Side Effects Support Pack?

This side effects support pack should not be used by:

• Under 18s

• Anyone with diarrhoea containing blood, high fever, or following antibiotics/a colitis flare (you should seek urgent medical review, not self-treatment).

• Anyone with known hypersensitivity to either product's ingredients

While Gaviscon can be used in pregnancy, Loperamide should not be used when pregnancy (especially first trimester) or breastfeeding, so this pack would not be suitable (4,5). GLP-1 medications should not be taken in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

How long will these heartburn and diarrhoea side effects last?

The side effects associated with GLP-1 weight loss medications are usually at their most severe at the beginning of your treatment, and after each increase in dose. This is one reason why following the titration schedule at your own pace is important. Some people may feel ready and able to step up doses every four weeks, while others may want to extend how long they are on each stage of their journey as they are finding side effects harder to manage (6). Taking medications such as those included in this GI side effects support pack may help to keep side effects under control.

The important thing to remember is that your experience of side effects could be completely different to someone else taking GLP-1s.

Find out more about:

• The main side effects of Wegovy and how long they last

• Our ultimate guide to Mounjaro side effects, including how long they last

• Wegovy pill side effects and how to manage them

What do I do if GLP-1 side effects don’t go away?

If your GLP-1 treatment side effects don’t go away even when using treatments such as Gaviscon and Loperamide, you should speak to your prescriber or GP. It may be that you need to step back a dose or that your particular GLP-1 medication isn’t right for you.

Call 999 or visit your local A&E department immediately if you experience serious side effects such as:

• Severe, persistent upper abdominal pain with nausea/vomiting

• Sudden vision loss/rapidly worsening eyesight

• Signs of serious dehydration

• Extremely low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) which causes confusion, seizures etc

• The effects of an allergic reaction (swelling of your mouth, lips, tongue, breathing problems) (7).