Managing GLP 1 Side Effects: Relief for Heartburn, Gas, Bloating, Dry Mouth & More
Managing GLP 1 Side Effects: Relief for Heartburn, Gas, Bloating, Dry Mouth & More
GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®) are effective tools for weight management and type 2 diabetes, but gastrointestinal side effects are common.1 The good news: most are temporary and can be managed with help from OTC solutions.
This guide covers symptom-by-symptom relief strategies using trusted Haleon brands — TUMS for heartburn and acid reflux; Gas-X for gas, bloating, and abdominal pressure; Preparation H for hemorrhoid discomfort; and Biotène for dry mouth — so you can stay on track with your health journey.
Why Do GLP 1 Medications Cause Digestive Side Effects
GLP 1 receptor agonists cause digestive side effects because they slow gastric emptying, which delays digestion and changes how food, fluids and gas move through the gastrointestinal tract.2, 3
GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar, suppresses appetite, and slows gastric emptying, meaning food stays in your stomach longer than usual.1, 2 While this mechanism drives the appetite reduction and weight loss these medications are known for, it also shifts your entire digestive timeline.2
For most people, these GLP-1 side effects are temporary.1 They tend to peak during the first few weeks and during dose increases, then gradually subside as the body adjusts.5 In the meantime, accessible over-the-counter relief options can help you manage discomfort, so you don't have to choose between your health goals and your quality of life.
Heartburn and Acid Reflux on GLP-1s
Why GLP 1 Medications Cause Heartburn and Acid Reflux
GLP-1 medications and reflux are linked due to a straightforward mechanism: these medications slow gastric emptying, food and stomach acid remain in the stomach longer. This increases intra-gastric pressure, which can force acid upward through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) into the esophagus — causing that familiar burning sensation. GLP-1 receptor activation may also influence LES tone directly, making it slightly less effective as a barrier against reflux.2, 3, 5
Sulfur Burps on GLP-1s
Many GLP-1 users also report sulfur burps, known for a distinctive rotten-egg smell caused by hydrogen sulfide gas produced during prolonged digestion.4 When food sits in the stomach longer than normal due to slowed digestion, it can release gases containing sulfur, leading to this unpleasant symptom.4
How TUMS Can Help as a GLP-1 Heartburn Treatment
TUMS is the #1 physician-recommended product for heartburn caused by GLP-1 therapy.* Antacids like TUMS work by neutralizing gastric acid on contact — delivering fast, effective relief in seconds.
Ease GLP-1 heartburn with TUMS** Extra Strength Chewy Bites, they start working in seconds to neutralize acid on contact.
GLP 1 Gas, Bloating & Abdominal Distention
Why GLP 1 Causes Gas and Bloating
Gas, bloating, and abdominal pressure are hallmark digestive side effects of GLP-1 medications.3, 5 When gastric emptying slows, food remains in the digestive tract longer than usual, promoting fermentation by gut bacteria that produces hydrogen, methane, and other gases. This gas buildup leads to feelings of pressure, fullness, and uncomfortable bloating. 3, 4
How Gas X Works for GLP 1 Side Effects
Gas-X helps you beat the bloat, discomfort, and disruptions from gas during your GLP-1 journey. The active ingredient in Gas-X products is simethicone, which works by breaking down gas bubbles in your digestive tract to provide fast relief of the symptoms of gas and bloating.
Reach for Gas-X Maximum Strength Softgels for help with gas and bloating while on your GLP-1 journey.^
GLP-1 Hemorrhoids
How Are Hemorrhoids and GLP-1 Drugs Connected?
Hemorrhoids are often caused by constipation, which is a common gastro-intestinal adverse effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists. 2, 5, 6
The connection to hemorrhoids is direct: GLP-1 medications slow colonic transit, meaning more water is absorbed from stool, resulting in harder, drier bowel movements. 2, 5 Straining to pass hard stool is the single most significant modifiable risk factor for hemorrhoid development and flares. 6 Reduced food and fluid intake on GLP-1 therapy compounds the problem — less food means less fiber and bulk in the colon, while decreased fluid intake further dehydrates stool. 5, 6
How Preparation H Can Help with Hemorrhoids Caused by GLP-1s
Preparation H provides maximum strength pain relief for symptoms and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. Reach for Preparation H Multi-Symptom Relief Cream for rapid, soothing pain relief from painful burning, itching and discomfort. It starts to numb pain on contact while protecting irritated tissue.
Dry Mouth on GLP-1 Medications
Why Do GLP-1 Medications Cause Dry Mouth
Dry mouth (xerostomia) is an emerging concern for GLP-1 medication users. A 2025 narrative review published in Biology explored reason behind oral adverse effects of taking Semaglutide, finding that the drug can disturb normal salivary secretion via receptor desensitization and reduced gland responsiveness, explaining why some patients experience oral dryness. 7
Additionally, GLP-1 medications commonly cause dehydration through gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and through reduced fluid intake associated with decreased appetite — all of which contribute to secondary dry mouth. 1, 2
How Biotene Helps with Dry Mouth on GLP 1s
Biotène contains a mouth moisturizing formula to help relieve dry mouth symptoms and improves comfort for patients with dry mouth symptoms by 74.4%.^^ Biotene is the #1 dentist-recommended brand for dry mouth symptoms caused by GLP-1 therapy.^
Lifestyle Strategies to Reduce GLP-1 Side Effects and Complement OTC Relief
While these OTC Haleon products can provide targeted relief for specific symptoms, a few general lifestyle adjustments can help reduce GLP-1 side effects across the board:5
| Lifestyle Strategies | How It Helps With GLP-1 Side Effects |
|---|---|
Eat smaller, more frequent meals | Reduces the burden on a slower-emptying stomach, minimizing heartburn, gas, and bloating |
Avoid high-fat, spicy, and fried foods | These slow digestion further and are common triggers for heartburn and reflux |
| Stay well hydrated | Helps prevent constipation, dry mouth, and dehydration from GI side effects |
| Increase fiber gradually | Supports regular bowel movements and reduces hemorrhoid risk — but add fiber slowly to avoid worsening gas |
| Stay upright after eating | Reduces acid reflux by keeping stomach contents below the esophageal sphincter |
| Walk gently after meals | Aids digestion and helps move gas through the digestive tract |
OTC Support for your GLP-1 Journey
| GLP-1 Challenge | How It Helps With GLP-1 Side Effects | How It Can Help |
|---|---|---|
| Heartburn & Gas | TUMS Chewy Bites | TUMS heartburn relief, supporting you during your GLP-1 journey |
| Bloating & Gas | Gas-X Maximum Strength Softgels | Gas-X is the #1 doctor recommended OTC anti-gas product |
| Dry Mouth | Biotène Dry Mouth Lozenges | Biotene Lozenges help stimulate saliva to soothe dry mouth |
| Hemorrhoids | Preparation H Multi-Symptom Relief Cream | Preparation H helps relieve pain on contact and reduces swelling |
Stay Comfortable on Your GLP-1 Journey
As GLP-1 medications become a more common tool for weight management and metabolic health, the side effects they sometimes bring don't have to slow you down. With targeted relief from trusted brands like TUMS®, Gas-X®, Preparation H®, and Biotène®, paired with simple lifestyle adjustments, you can take control of your comfort and stay on track with your health goals. If side effects are severe, persistent, or interfere with eating or hydration, a healthcare provider can help adjust dosing or recommend additional management strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
*#1 Doctor recommended claim based on IQVIA survey, 2024 Consult with HCP on appropriate management of your GLP-1, particular GLP-1 medication
** Haleon doesn't sell or promote GLP-1s. Consult w/ HCP on GLP-1 & TUMS Use. Use as Directed. #1 Doctor recommended claim based on IQVIA survey, 2024
^ Consult with HCP on appropriate management of your GLP-1 side effects. Please consult with your HCP before taking this product and use as directed on label. Haleon does not endorse or promote use of any particular GLP-1 medication
^^ Improvement vs. water after 28 days use in clinical study
- Adverse Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5397288/. Accessed 5/4/26. 2. Exploring the multifaceted roles of GLP-1 receptor agonists; a comprehensive review. Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/clinical-diabetes-and-healthcare/articles/10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1590530/full. Accessed 5/4/26. 3. A Scoping Review of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Are They Associated with Increased Gastric Contents, Regurgitation, and Aspiration Events? Journal of Clinical Medicine. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/13/21/6336. Accessed 5/4/26. 4. GLP-1s and Burping: What You Should Know. Inspira Health. https://www.inspirahealthnetwork.org/news/healthy-living/glp-1s-and-burping-what-you-should-know. Accessed 5/4/26. 5. Clinical Recommendations to Manage Gastrointestinal Adverse Events in Patients Treated with Glp-1 Receptor Agonists: A Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9821052/. Accessed 5/4/26. 6. Hemorrhoids: Symptoms & Causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268. Accessed 5/4/26. 7. GLP-1 Receptor Signaling and Oral Dysfunction: A Narrative Review on the Mechanistic Basis of Semaglutide-Related Oral Adverse Effects. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12729639/. Accessed 5/4/26.
