Can I Take Omeprazole With Ozempic

Taking Omeprazole with Ozempic is generally safe but using this combination for a long time may cause side effects or indirectly affect each other’s efficacy

Ozempic is a GLP-1 analog, a strong anti-diabetic medication with extraordinary weight loss effects.

However, it is associated with significant stomach-related side effects. These side effects can be reduced by using Omeprazole, antacids, or any other medicine that helps in reducing stomach acidity.

While omeprazole is a potent anti-ulcer medicine, it is associated with significant drug interactions and side effects which can hamper the weight loss effects and may impair blood glucose in some individuals.

Effect of Omeprazole and Ozempic Combination on Weight

Ozempic acts on the stomach and GI tract to promote weight loss by increasing satiety and reducing hunger. It is associated with abdominal fullness, heartburn, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and GERD-like symptoms.

Omeprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor. It reduces stomach acidity and can relieve most of the side effects of Ozempic.

However, long-term use of omeprazole has been associated with weight gain [Ref]. While Ozempic helps you shed body weight, combining omeprazole might slow the weight loss process.

In one animal study, Omeprazole was given in combination with a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It was shown to improve the weight loss effects and enhance the anorectic properties of GLP-1 analogs [Ref].

Having said that, Omeprazole does not directly affect weight loss or gain. Therefore, it is unlikely that the combination of Omeprazole and Ozempic would have a significant impact on weight loss.

However, if Omeprazole is being used to treat acid reflux caused by overeating, reducing the symptoms of acid reflux may lead to a reduction in overeating, which could indirectly contribute to weight loss.

In addition, Omeprazole may help a person tolerate Ozempic during the initial first few months of Ozmepic use as some people are intolerant to Ozempic and have to discontinue it because of significant nausea or other GI side effects.

Effect of Omeprazole and Ozempic Combination on Diabetes Control

Ozempic is the strongest antidiabetic medicine, second only to Mounjaro (Tirzepatide). Combining Omeprazole with Ozempic may have variable effects on blood glucose:

• Omeprazole may improve Ozempic tolerance and have a better effect in the long run as omeprazole reduces stomach acidity and helps nausea and heartburn associated with Ozempic.
• Ozemprazole may relieve abdominal symptoms arising from the use of Ozempic and hence people may start eating more resulting in impaired blood glucose.
• Some studies have documented the anti-diabetic properties of Omeprazole and it could positively affect blood glucose and lower the A1C

Combining Omeprazole and Ozempic may have little effect on blood glucose. It is important to monitor blood sugar levels closely when taking Omeprazole and Ozempic together.

Effect of Omeprazole and Ozempic Combination on GI Symptoms: Heartburn, Nausea, Vomiting, and Constipation

Omeprazole is commonly used to treat acid reflux, heartburn, and related symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Ozempic can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Omeprazole may reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects associated with Ozempic.

Having said that, Omeprazole use has been associated with nausea in up to 4% of the patients taking it. It has also been associated with Diarrhea.

Long-term use of Omeprazole may increase the chances of abdominal infections, especially pseudomembranous colitis.

Effect of Omeprazole and Ozempic Combination on Side Effects of These Drugs

Both Omeprazole and Ozempic have potential side effects. Omeprazole can cause headaches, dizziness, and abdominal pain, while Ozempic can cause gastrointestinal side effects, hypoglycemia, and injection site reactions.

Combining these medications may increase the risk of these side effects. Although these are mild to moderate in intensity and have easily treatable side effects, patients may sometimes need to switch to another antacid or discontinue Omeprazole while using Ozempic.

Effect of Omeprazole on Diabetes Medications:

Several diabetes medications interact with Omeprazole resulting in an increased risk of hypoglycemia. These include:

• Sulfonylureas:

These are a class of diabetes medications that stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. Omeprazole can increase the concentration of these medications in the blood, leading to a greater risk of hypoglycemia.

In one study, the combination of Omeprazole and Gliclazide increased the risk of hypoglycemia by 3.3-fold compared to the placebo [Ref].

Diabetic patients are usually on combination therapies and sulfonylureas are among the common diabetes medications which may be used in combination with Ozempic.

Patients must be asked to monitor their blood glucose if they are on Ozempic and sulfonylureas to avoid serious events of hypoglycemia.

• Meglitinides:

These medications work by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin. Omeprazole can increase the concentration of meglitinides in the blood, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.

Omeprazole inhibits the metabolism and clearance of these drugs from the body resulting in a prolongation of its effects [Ref].

Patients may need to monitor their blood glucose to avoid hypoglycemia if they are on concomitant Ozempic, Meglitinides, and Omeprazole.

In Conclusion:

Omeprazole and Ozempic can be used safely. However, one should be mindful of the GI side effects, and effects of Omeprazole on blood glucose and body weight to get the most benefit from Ozempic.

Individuals who are intolerant to the side effects of Ozemprazole may try another PPI such as Rabeprazole, Lansoprazole, Dexlansoprazole, Famotidine, or any OTC antacid.