Why do my burps smell like rotten eggs? Welcome to the “sulfur burps” club. Here’s what to know about this unsettling side effect of Mounjaro and how to prevent it.
While typically harmless, sulfur burps can be rather off-putting and oftentimes, cause enough discomfort to interfere with daily life.
Thankfully, you’re not alone in your search for relief from the foul-smelling belches. Many patients getting started on GLP-1 medications are looking for answers around this unexpected side effect.
Here’s a breakdown of the underlying causes, symptoms to look out for, and top remedies recommended by physicians.
Mounjaro sulfur burps occur due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas in the digestive system. This can produce a “sulfuric” odor that resembles rotten eggs.
Many patients report sulfur burps as a side effect after starting on Mounjaro, an injectable medication prescribed for type 2 diabetes (1). Mounjaro’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, is also FDA-approved as a weight loss medication under the name Zepbound (2).
Notably, sulfur burps are not unique to tirzepatide. They’re linked to several other medications, dietary choices, and medical conditions that impact the digestive system.
Tirzepatide is in a class of medications that target GLP-1 receptors, along with semaglutide, the active ingredient used in the brand-name medications Ozempic and Wegovy (3). These medications help to promote satiety by increasing the time it takes for food to empty from the stomach – a process known as gastric emptying (4).
Due to changes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, many clinical trials and patient studies have linked GI discomfort as the most prevalent side effect of these medications (5). This may include sulfur burps for some patients, although the four most commonly reported are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
If you are experiencing sulfur burps while taking Mounjaro, there are a few things you can do to manage this side effect. Here are some tips on how to alleviate Mounjaro sulfur burps:
Be wary of triggering foods: Certain foods exacerbate GI distress, especially if they are difficult to digest, cause excess gas, or are high in sulfides and sulfur-containing amino acids (6,7,8).
Reducing the intake of the following can alleviate symptoms:
Take your medication with food: Food neutralizes stomach acid and reduces the production of gas. Plan to take Mounjaro or other GLP-1 medications during mealtimes or alongside a snack if you experience sulfur burps more severely after each dose.
Drink plenty of water: Drinking water can help flush out excess gas and reduce the occurrence of sulfur burps.
Avoid swallowing excess air: Straws, smoking, gum, and eating too quickly are the biggest culprits when it comes to excess air ingestion. These can promote burping and increase the likelihood of sulfur burps.
Try over-the-counter medicines: Consult with your doctor to see if you can benefit from common OTC medications known to relieve gas, such as simethicone (Gas-X) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol).
Mounjaro sulfur burps are typically not related to any serious underlying condition. Rather, it is a sign of slowed gastric emptying, which is an expected effect of many diabetes and weight loss medications.
However, it is important to inform your doctor if you notice any persistent or worsening GI disturbances such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and unexpected weight loss.
Your provider may be able to adjust the medication dosage or recommend additional strategies to manage symptoms.
Furthermore, your doctor may help you identify and manage related digestive conditions that play a role in triggering sulfur burps, including:
If you’ve recently started taking Mounjaro or are looking into the medication as an option for weight loss or diabetes, you may be well aware of the unwelcome side effect known as “sulfur burps.”
While an unpleasant experience, sulfur burps are not usually a cause for concern in patients taking Mounjaro, Zepbound, compounded tirzepatide, or other GLP-1 weight-loss medications. What’s more, there are dietary modifications and home remedies found to be effective for treating sulfur burps.
Whether you’re already on Mounjaro, exploring weight loss medication options, or looking to get started with an affordable prescription, you’re in the right place.
Our team of medical professionals and obesity medicine experts promises to deliver science-backed insights to help you achieve your weight loss and health goals.
Mochi Health is a comprehensive obesity medicine practice with access to 1-on-1 provider support from licensed physicians, 24/7 customer support, direct provider messaging, and medications delivered to your door.
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Dr. Amanda Galambas MD
Brown University