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.

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‍What Are Mounjaro® Sulfur Burps?

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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.

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‍What Causes Mounjaro® Sulfur Burps?

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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.

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How To Treat Mounjaro® Sulfur Burps

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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:

• High-sulfur foods such as garlic, onions, cruciferous vegetables, meat, eggs and dairy

• Fiber-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, and beans

• Alcoholic beverages

• Carbonated water and soda

• Foods containing excess amounts of sugar or sugar alcohol

‍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).

When To See a Doctor about Mounjaro® Sulfur Burps

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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:

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and irritable bowel disease (IBD)

• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Food intolerances or celiac disease

• Parasitic infections

• Gastritis or colitis

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Key Takeaways For Managing Mounjaro® Sulfur Burps

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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.

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Learn more about Mounjaro® and Weight Loss

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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.

Learn more and see if you’re eligible for our weight loss program today.

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Sources

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1. Type 2 Diabetes Treatment to Lower A1C | Mounjaro® (tirzepatide). Mounjaro®.lilly.com. https://Mounjaro®.lilly.com/

2. Zepbound® (tirzepatide) Injection for Adults with Obesity or Excess Weight. Zepbound®.lilly.com. https://Zepbound®.lilly.com/

3. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;387(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2206038

4. Raven LM, Brown C, Greenfield JR. Considerations of delayed gastric emptying with peri‐operative use of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists. Medical Journal of Australia. Published online November 27, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.52170 

5. Gorgojo-Martínez JJ, Mezquita-Raya P, Carretero-Gómez J, et al. Clinical Recommendations to Manage Gastrointestinal Adverse Events in Patients Treated with Glp-1 Receptor Agonists: A Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023;12(1):145. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12010145 

6. Doleman JF, Grisar K, Van Liedekerke L, et al. The contribution of alliaceous and cruciferous vegetables to dietary sulphur intake. Food Chemistry. 2017;234:38-45. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.04.098 

7. Treatment for Gas in the Digestive Tract - NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gas-digestive-tract/treatment ‌

8. 1.Belching, Bloating, and Flatulence - American College of Gastroenterology. American College of Gastroenterology. Published 2011. https://gi.org/topics/belching-bloating-and-flatulence/