Key takeaways
- Mounjaro can cause digestive side effects like sulfur burps. This is due to delayed stomach emptying, which leads to the production of hydrogen sulfide gas by gut bacteria.
- While digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and burping are common with Mounjaro, specific data on sulfur burps is limited.
- To prevent sulfur burps while taking Mounjaro, consider limiting high-sulfur foods, reducing gas in the digestive tract through peppermint tea or hydration, and addressing underlying digestive conditions.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is FDA approved to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar levels. It’s also sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Sulfur burps usually occur when bacteria in your gut produce hydrogen sulfide gas. It’s natural for this gas to be present in your digestive tract, but having large amounts can lead to burps with an unpleasant odor.
Mounjaro, like other glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, can cause sulfur burps in some users. This article looks at why a dose of Mounjaro might cause sulfur burps and how to reduce this side effect.
After you inject a dose of Mounjaro, the drug delays the emptying of your stomach. This helps it work effectively, but can cause certain side effects, such as
The gas that gives a sulfur burp its unpleasant smell is called hydrogen sulfide. This gas is mainly produced by bacteria in the digestive tract when food or other substances containing sulfur (such as bile) are broken down.
Digestive side effects are common in people who take Mounjaro. Some of the more common digestive side effects of Mounjaro include:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- decreased appetite
- vomiting
- constipation
- indigestion
- abdominal pain
In studies of Mounjaro, burping was more common in people receiving Mounjaro than in those receiving a placebo. See the following table for details.
| Group | Percentage of people who reported burping |
|---|---|
| people receiving a placebo | 0.4% |
| people receiving 5 mg of Mounjaro | 3% |
| people receiving 10 mg of Mounjaro | 2.5% |
| people receiving 15 mg of Mounjaro | 3.3% |
Burping has also been reported as one of the more common side effects of Zepbound. This is a weight loss medication that contains tirzepatide, which is also the active ingredient in Mounjaro.
Note: The study results for Mounjaro or Zepbound didn’t state whether the burping reported was specifically sulfur burps. But because of how the drugs work, sulfur burps can occur.
How long do sulfur burps last with Mounjaro?
Certain Mounjaro side effects, such as sulfur burps, may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medication.
Although it may not be possible to get rid of sulfur burps instantly, limiting foods that give you digestive problems or that are high in sulfur may help reduce sulfur burps during your Mounjaro treatment.
Examples of foods that are high in sulfur include:
- meat, fish, and poultry
- eggs
- cow’s milk
- dried fruit
- legumes, such as soybeans and kidney beans
- beer, cider, and wine
- grape or tomato juice
- some grains, such as oats
- certain vegetables, such as:
- asparagus
- broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- onion
- radishes
- watercress
Taking steps to reduce gas in your digestive tract may also help you get rid of sulfur burps. For example, you may want to try:
- drinking peppermint or chamomile tea
- incorporating stress-relieving activities into your daily life
- staying hydrated
- avoiding or limiting:
- sugar and sugar alcohols
- alcohol
- carbonated beverages
- using a straw
- smoking
- eating too quickly
Mounjaro burping treatment may include looking for underlying conditions that may cause gas buildup in your gut. These conditions include:
Side effects from Mounjaro tend to become more common as your dose is increased. If you develop bothersome side effects that don’t go away after trying the tips listed previously, your doctor might reduce your dose.
Medical Perspective“If you need support with managing your diet to decrease sulfur burps while supporting your diabetes and weight loss, ask your doctor for resources, such as meeting with a dietitian or nutritionist.”
Read about the 16 best foods for people with diabetes.
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Mounjaro is a type of drug called a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Mounjaro and other GLP-1 drugs delay emptying of the stomach. This helps them work effectively but can cause certain side effects such as burping.
Any GLP-1 drug can potentially cause sulfur burps. For example, burping is also a reported
If you have other questions about how the side effects of Mounjaro compare with those of similar treatment options, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Mounjaro delays emptying of the stomach, which may cause burping and other side effects. Some people may experience sulfur burps, which smell like rotten eggs.
Most of the common side effects of Mounjaro affect your digestive tract. Side effects generally become more common if your dose is increased. It’s a good idea to talk with your doctor if you experience side effects from Mounjaro that don’t go away or that bother you.
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