It’s true that Mounjaro weight loss injections can come with side effects, like nausea, constipation and…eggy burps?
Yep—it’s a thing, we’re afraid. Certainly more of thing than "Ozempic face" anyway. Officially, these are called sulphur burps, and they smell like rotten eggs thanks to the hydrogen sulphide gas that causes them.
While egg burps aren’t exactly pleasant, the good news is that they’re not usually something to be too worried about. That said, it’s perfectly understandable that you would want to get rid of them! Here’s what you need to know about Mounjaro and egg burps—and how to make them go away.
What are sulphur burps?
Sulphur burps aren’t listed as one of the main Mounjaro side effects, but some people do report them. The cause of sulphur burps on Mounjaro may be the medicine’s effect on the gut.
One of the ways that Mounjaro works to make you feel full is slowing down your rate of digestion. That means that food sits in your stomach for longer, which allows for more H2S gas to build up.
There’s also a theory that Mounjaro might affect the makeup of bacteria that live in your gut, which could potentially play a role here as well. But we don’t fully understand how Mounjaro impacts gut bacteria, so we can’t say for sure just yet.
Can Mounjaro cause sulphur burps?
Okay, but what causes sulphur burps on Mounjaro? It may be down to the medicine’s effect on the gut.
One of the ways that Mounjaro works to make you feel full is slowing down your rate of digestion. That means that food sits in your stomach for longer, which allows for more gas to build up.
There’s also a theory that Mounjaro might affect the makeup of bacteria that live in your gut, which could potentially play a role here as well. But we don’t fully understand how Mounjaro impacts gut bacteria, so we can’t say for sure just yet.
FYI: up to one in ten people might experience burping as a Mounjaro side effect.
How long do sulphur burps last?
The answer isn't the same for everyone, but there are general patterns that can help set expectations. Here’s a typical timeline:
- First week: Sulphur burps may start soon after beginning Mounjaro or raising the dose.
- Weeks 2 to 3: This is usually when the burps are the worst.
- Weeks 3 to 4: Most people notice them easing up.
- By week 6 to 8: Burps often stop or become infrequent and manageable.
If you increase your dose, gut-related side effects might come back, but they’ll usually fade again after a few weeks.
How to stop sulphur burps on Mounjaro
Sulphur burps are usually harmless and aren’t a sign that the medicine isn’t working or Mounjaro isn’t safe.
But if you just want them out of your life, here’s the advice on how to get rid of sulphur burps on Mounjaro.
Know which foods to eat and avoid
The main recommendation is to adjust your diet on Mounjaro. We know that foods containing sulphur trigger H2S production, so it might help to avoid them.
That includes:
- Red meat
- Cow’s milk
- Eggs
- Onions
- Fried foods
- Cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts).
Some research suggests that fibre can bring H2S levels down, and that eating protein without having enough fibre in your diet can make them rise. You want both in a healthy diet, anyway.
And it’s worth avoiding alcohol on Mounjaro as it can make gut side effects worse. If you can, it’s always best to get personalised diet advice from your provider (like us!).
Eat smaller meals, more often
This might help reduce the buildup of gas in your gut. Because gas forms when food is being digested, having less food in your stomach may mean you have less gas. And, therefore, you wouldn’t burp as much.
Move your body
Mild exercise has been shown to help move digestion along and prevent gas from collecting in the gut. Exercise is great for you in any case, so try to do two strength sessions and 150 minutes of moderate-intensity movement each week.
Over-the-counter remedies for sulphur burps
If dietary changes and exercise aren't enough, there are over-the-counter options that can help reduce your sulphur burps.
OTC remedies for sulphur burps
Probiotics
Probiotics are ‘good’ bacteria that can influence the balance of other bacteria in your gut. It’s been suggested that they could help to regulate H2S levels, (a gas produced by certain gut bacteria during digestion, especially when breaking down protein and sulphur-containing foods).
Because high levels of H2S can contribute to foul-smelling burps or gas, it follows that regulating H2S levels might help alleviate them. Do check in with your provider before trying this though, as probiotics aren’t recommended for everyone.
Simethicone
These are anti-gas medications that provide quick relief from bloating. They usually work within 30 minutes and are considered safe to use with Mounjaro.
Herbal teas
Teas like ginger, peppermint and fennel can gently soothe digestion and reduce gas. They're very safe and can be taken with Mounjaro.
Activated charcoal capsules
They absorb gas and reduce odour, but don’t take them within 2 hours of any medication as they can reduce effectiveness.
Bismuth subsalicylate
Helps reduce the rotten egg smell. It’s safe for occasional use, but avoid long-term use without medical advice.
Digestive enzyme supplements
Products containing amylase, lipase, and protease can help break down food and reduce gas. These are especially useful if certain foods trigger your symptoms.
Alpha-galactosidase
This enzyme helps digest complex sugars in beans, lentils, and veggies. Taking it before meals may prevent gas if those foods are your triggers
Important safety note:
These OTC remedies aren’t risk-free. Some may interact with Mounjaro or other medications. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or OTC medication.
A combo approach often works best. For example:
- A daily probiotic with Bifidobacterium lactis
- Simethicone after meals
- Simple dietary changes
Together, these can significantly reduce sulphur burps within a few weeks.
In summary:
When to seek medical help
We get that you might be a little grossed out by your burps, but they’re usually not a sign of anything serious.
But if your burping is intense enough to affect your day-to-day activities on more than three days per week, you should check in with your doctor. Sometimes, excessive burping can be due to another condition like gastrointestinal reflux disease, IBS or anxiety.
Having other symptoms alongside your burps, like a fever or vomiting, that are severe or don’t go away also warrants a visit to your doctor.
Side effects support at Voy
"If you're using Voy and you experience any side effects, rest assured that our expert clinicians are just a message or phone call away. They can adjust your dose, prescribe medication to ease your symptoms, or simply offer reassurance.
Everyone responds differently to weight loss treatment and we'll help you find what feels right for you."
Your weight loss journey
Weight loss medications can drive serious results, though they can also come with not-so-glamourous side effects (yet most of the time these are mild and clear on their own). But for people who have tried to lose weight another way and didn’t see the results they wanted, weight loss injections can be a gamechanger.
With weight loss medication and healthy lifestyle changes, you could lose up to 25% of your starting weight if you stick with your routine for over a year.
You can get medication, plus personalised support from our team at every step, as part of our weight loss programme. We’ll be on hand to answer your questions and celebrate your success.
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