Mounjaro and Sulphur Burps

Burping is listed as a common side effect of Mounjaro. Some people say that their burps on Mounjaro have a distinct eggy taste, also known as sulphur burps. They are most common as your Mounjaro dose increases or when you first start treatment, settling down as your body gets used to the higher dose.

Although sulphur burps are not usually a cause for concern, they can be unpleasant and embarrassing, especially if you are around other people.

One of the ways Mounjaro works for weight loss is by slowing down our digestion, or the time it takes for food to travel through your stomach. This helps you to feel fuller for longer, reducing your appetite, and limiting snacking – perfect for weight loss.

However, during digestion, a specific type of gas is produced called hydrogen sulphide, and it’s the sulphur in this gas that gives your burps a rotten egg smell or taste. Because Mounjaro slows digestion, food remains in the stomach for longer, resulting in a buildup of hydrogen sulphide, which causes you to burp.

This side effect does not mean Mounjaro is not working or that there’s anything wrong – it’s just a smelly side effect of the weight loss medication.

When do sulphur burps start after taking Mounjaro, and how long do they last?

Sulphur burps usually start within the first few weeks of starting Mounjaro or when you increase the dose. They are usually temporary, lasting a few days to a few weeks, and should get better as your body gets used to the medication.

Several things can increase the chances of having Mounjaro sulphur burps. Understanding the potential triggers can help you prevent or avoid them in the future.

High-sulphur foods

Some of your food choices may have high sulphur contents, increasing the chance of sulphur burps. You may want to reduce the amount of these foods in your diet to see if this helps before reintroducing them gradually as the side effect improves.

High-sulphur foods include:

• eggs and dairy products
• red meat and poultry
• beans and peas
• dried fruit
• broccoli, sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower
• onions
• asparagus
• oats, wheat, and pearl barley
• beer, wine, and cider – it’s important to only drink in moderation when taking Mounjaro, or avoid it altogether while you have side effects

Helicobacter pylori infection

Sulphur burps can also be caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterial infection. Around 40% of the population has this bacterium in their stomach, and for the majority of people, it causes no problems.

However, 10% of people will get symptoms or complications as a result of H. pylori, including indigestion and burping. Speak to your doctor if you get sulphur burps frequently, they will be able to advise treatment.

Fortunately, Mounjaro sulphur burps are not usually a cause for concern and can often be managed by making a few changes to your diet and lifestyle. They are most likely to occur at the beginning of your treatment and when you step up your dose, with most people finding that they get better in time. Here are some of the things you can do to manage or prevent eggy Mounjaro burps:

Lower your sulphur intake

Sulphur burps are caused by an increased production of hydrogen sulphide gas during digestion. Many foods naturally contain sulphur, so cutting down on these foods can be beneficial. However, it is important that you do not remove sulphur-containing foods from your diet completely, as they are needed to keep it balanced and nutritious.

Experiment with natural remedies

You can try natural remedies to help soothe sulphur burps, such as:

• green tea, which can aid digestion, reduce cholesterol, and lower fat absorption
• peppermint, which relaxes the digestive system and can freshen breath
• ginger, which is well-known for its anti-sickness properties, but it can also help speed up digestion
• turmeric, which may be as effective as omeprazole for managing excess stomach acid and indigestion

Eat smaller, more frequent meals

You may be used to having 3 large meals per day, but when you start Mounjaro, it can be beneficial to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to reduce the amount of food that stays in your stomach. This can reduce fermentation, gas, and burping.

Some people find it easier to split their meals into 6 throughout the day. This approach is also a great way to avoid overeating and prevent unnecessary snacking.

Take a gentle walk after a meal

Try taking a gentle 15-minute walk after a meal to encourage food to move through your digestive system, preventing a buildup of gases and burping. It’s also a good way to regulate your blood sugar levels.

Stay hydrated

Water is an essential part of the digestive process, as it can help make sure that your gastrointestinal tract is lubricated to keep food moving along it. It can be useful to drink a glass of water before and after a meal to support digestion and to satisfy thirst.

Try over-the-counter medications

If you’ve tried all of the above and you’re still getting sulphur burps, over-the-counter antacids may help. Speak to a pharmacist about what may be suitable and let them know you are taking Mounjaro.