Trulicity Heartburn: How Common, How Long It Lasts
Yes. In the Trulicity trials, 5.8% of people on 1.5 mg had heartburn and indigestion, against 2.3% on placebo: about 3 times the placebo rate. It is the sixth most common side effect in that table. Smaller, slower meals help most.
- In the Trulicity label
- Yes, with a rate
- On Trulicity 1.5 mg
- 5.8%
- On placebo
- 2.3%
- Rank in the label table
- 6 of 7
Trulicity facts at a glance
Its half-life lasts about 5 days. After 5 d, half is gone, and five half-lives (25 d) leave about 3%.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed).
How often it appears with Trulicity compared with placebo
Trulicity heartburn appears by dose group in the label trials. That trial uses the placebo group for comparison.
| Medicine and dose | Heartburn and indigestion | Placebo | More than placebo | People in the trials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trulicity 0.75 mg | 4.1% | 2.3% | +1.8 points | Adults with type 2 diabetes (label term: dyspepsia) |
| Trulicity 1.5 mg | 5.8% | 2.3% | +3.5 points | Adults with type 2 diabetes (label term: dyspepsia) |
| Trulicity 1.5 mg | 2.8% | Not listed | Not listed | Adults with type 2 diabetes took part in a higher-dose trial without placebo (label term: dyspepsia) |
| Trulicity 3 mg | 5% | Not listed | Not listed | Adults with type 2 diabetes took part in a higher-dose trial without placebo (label term: dyspepsia) |
| Trulicity 4.5 mg | 2.6% | Not listed | Not listed | Adults with type 2 diabetes took part in a higher-dose trial without placebo (label term: dyspepsia) |
Source: Trulicity label (DailyMed).
Comparing Heartburn on Trulicity with other GLP-1s
Each label describes its own trials, which included different groups of people. Treat it as a rough guide.
The table lists the pill forms as well: Foundayo.
| Medicine | Highest rate in the label | Dose group | Placebo | People in the trials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Foundayo | 16% | 9 mg | 4% | Adults with obesity or overweight (weight management) |
 Zepbound | 10% | 15 mg | 4% | Adults with obesity or overweight (weight management) |
 Saxenda | 9.6% | all doses | 2.7% | Adults with obesity or overweight (weight management) |
 Wegovy | 9% | 2.4 mg | 3% | Adults with obesity or overweight (weight management) |
 Mounjaro | 8% | 5 mg | 3% | Adults with type 2 diabetes |
 Victoza | 7% | 1.8 mg | 1% | Adults with type 2 diabetes |
| Byetta | 6% | all doses | 3% | Adults with type 2 diabetes |
| Trulicity | 5.8% | 1.5 mg | 2.3% | Adults with type 2 diabetes |
 Ozempic | Listed, no rate given | – | – | – |
 Rybelsus | Listed, no rate given | – | – | – |
Sources: Wegovy label (DailyMed), Mounjaro label (DailyMed), Zepbound label (DailyMed), Foundayo label (DailyMed), Trulicity label (DailyMed), Saxenda label (DailyMed), Victoza label (DailyMed), Byetta label (DailyMed).
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
Why it happens on Trulicity
These medicines slow the rate at which your stomach empties. When food stays longer, it can cause heartburn and indigestion, especially after big or fatty meals.
Source: health.clevelandclinic.org.
The Trulicity label says
The label uses the same words here: heartburn and indigestion
“mg): constipation (0.7%, 3.9%, 3.7%), flatulence (1.4%, 1.4%, 3.4%), abdominal distension (0.7%, 2.9%, 2.3%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (0.5%, 1.7%, 2.0%), and eructation (0.2%, 0.6%, 1.6%).”
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
What helps, step by step
- For now, avoid spicy and fatty foods.
- After you eat, stay upright instead of lying down.
- Eat smaller meals and stop when you feel full. These medicines make the stomach empty more slowly.
- Eat slowly. Your brain needs time to recognize that you are full.
- Reduce fatty, greasy and sugary foods, which often cause symptoms.
- If it does not ease, tell your prescriber. Another GLP-1 may be suggested, or the dose increases may be slowed.
Before taking any drugstore product, check it with the GLP-1 interactions checker.
Source: health.clevelandclinic.org.