A side effect of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in patients with type 2 diabetes or managing their weight is a side effect that they may not expect, and that makes the medicine unpleasant to use, sulphur burps, which is often referred to as a rotten-egg smell.
These burps are not usually harmful, though they are unpleasant. They are taking place due to the impact of Mounjaro on digestion. This paper describes the reasons behind the presence of sulphur burps, their causes and the ways of controlling and preventing them without failing to adhere to your Mounjaro treatment program.
What Is Mounjaro and How It Works
Mounjaro is a weekly injectable drug that is manufactured by Eli Lilly. Tirzepatide is its active component, which is both a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor agonist.
In simpler terms, Mounjaro:
- Delays emptying of the stomach (when the stomach empties or releases food to the intestine).
- Enhances postprandial insulin sensitivity.
- Stimulates weight loss, decreases appetite.
Food remains longer in the stomach since it slows down the digestion. The slower process is good in the control of blood sugar, but may also produce the fermentation of food, producing sulphur-smelling gas.
What Are Sulphur Burps?
Sulphur burps are burps which discharge hydrogen sulphide gas (H 2 S ), which is a naturally produced substance that is generated during digestion. It is a gas with a characteristic smell of rotten eggs. Hydrogen sulphide is a product of the disintegration of sulphur-containing proteins present in several foods, including eggs, garlic, onions, broccoli and cabbage.
Although the occasional sulphur burp does not appear to be problematic, more frequent or smelly burps on Mounjaro make one suspect slower digestion and bacteria fermenting in the stomach.
Why Mounjaro Can Cause Sulphur Burps
There are several mechanisms by which Mounjaro may trigger sulphur burps:
1. Delayed Gastric Emptying
Tirzepatide slows down how fast food moves through your stomach.
This extended retention allows bacteria to act on undigested food, releasing hydrogen sulphide gas as a by-product.
2. Changes in Gut Motility
Reduced motility can cause food to ferment longer, encouraging gas accumulation.
3. Alteration in Gut Microbiota
GLP-1 receptor agonists may alter gut bacteria balance, occasionally leading to excess gas and bloating.
4. High-Sulphur Diet
Consuming foods rich in sulphur compounds, such as eggs, red meat, garlic, and certain vegetables, increases hydrogen sulphide production.
5. Dehydration or Constipation
Common side effects of Mounjaro, dehydration and constipation can further slow digestion, exacerbating burping and gas retention.
Long-Term Fix
Look, these burps usually chill out after a bit, but don’t get cocky. Stick to the basics:
- Eat real food—fiber, lean meats, whole grains, all that grown-up stuff.
- Quit eating when you’re “meh, I’m good,” not “I can’t breathe.”
- Move a little after meals. It doesn’t have to be gym rat mode; a walk is enough.
- Easy on the booze and junk food.
- Give your Mounjaro shot at the same time each week, don’t get wild with it.
When to Call Your Doc
If you’re still burping up sulfur after a few weeks, or you’re feeling extra gross (nausea, vomiting, pain, whatever), get some help. Doc might want to tweak your dose, try antacids, or check for gastroparesis (fancy word, annoying problem). Don’t ghost your meds always check with your provider first.
Dealing with Mounjaro Burps
Mounjaro and Sulfur Burps are Super common with Mounjaro, not dangerous, just annoying as hell. Hydrate, eat light, skip the sulfur-y foods, and wait it out. Teas and probiotics help too. If it keeps going, call the pros.
Bottom line: stick with it, and those gnarly burps will probably peace out. Mounjaro’s worth it, promise. Your guts are just catching up. Hang tight!
