Digestive side effects are common in people using Mounjaro. One possible digestive side effect is sulfur burps. These burps have a distinct smell similar to rotten eggs.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is FDA approved to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar. It’s also sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. (With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.)
Sulfur burps usually occur when bacteria in your gut produce hydrogen sulfide gas. It’s normal for this gas to be present in your digestive tract, but having large amounts can lead to burping with an unpleasant odor.
This article looks at why Mounjaro might cause sulfur burps and what can be done to reduce this side effect.
After you take 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 your digestive tract when food or another substance containing sulfur (such as bile) is broken down.
Digestive side effects are common in people who take Mounjaro. Some of the most common digestive side effects include:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- decreased appetite
- vomiting
- constipation
- indigestion
- abdominal pain
In studies of Mounjaro, burping was more common in people receiving Mounjaro than 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 | 3.0% |
| people receiving 10 mg of Mounjaro | 2.5% |
| people receiving 15 mg of Mounjaro | 3.3% |
Burping has also been listed as one of the most 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.
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
You may also be able to reduce burping and other digestive side effects by treating 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 above, your doctor might reduce your dose.
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 the emptying of your stomach. This helps them work effectively but can cause certain side effects such as
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 other similar treatment options, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Mounjaro delays the emptying of your 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.