Side Effect – Sulphur Burps

Sulphur Burps: What it is, Symptoms & Treatment

Sulphur burps is a common side effect of GLP-1 medications (such as Wegovy and Mounjaro) and is usually mild and manageable. Sulphur burps are burps that smell/taste like rotten eggs. This happens when gas in the stomach contains hydrogen sulphide, which is produced during digestion. The medication slows down how quickly food moves through your digestive system. Most people find that symptoms improve as their body adjusts over time. Please do not stop your GLP-1 medication without speaking to your provider.

Symptoms of sulphur burps can include:

• Rotten egg tasting burps
• Egg-like smell coming up after food
• Increased burping
• Nausea/bloating alongside the burps
• Occasional diarrhoea or stomach cramps

How common is it?

Not everyone gets this side effect. However, burping, reflux, nausea, bloating and indigestion are well-recognised GLP-1 effects, and sulphur burps are often part of this cluster.

This is more common when:

• The dose is increased
• Meals are high in fat or large in portion size
• The medication is restarted after a gap
• The patient eats too quickly or late at night

It can be:

• Mild and short lived, or
• persistent for several days after injection, especially after dose escalation

The risk of developing these symptoms is generally highest during the initial weeks of treatment and following dose increases, with symptoms usually improving as your body adjusts to the medication.

If you experience sulphur burps, here are some tips to help:

• Dietary Recommendations:

• Eat smaller meals as large portions sit longer in the stomach and worsen symptoms
• Slow down eating. Eating quickly introduces more air which can worsen burping.
• Avoid fizzy drinks and chewing gum as these can increase swallowed air and can worsen reflux/burps.

• Food & drinks to avoid

These foods can increase hydrogen sulphide gas:

• Eggs
• Red meat
• Cheese and heavy dairy
• High fatty meals (fried foods, takeaways)
• High sulphur vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, sprouts)
• Protein shakes (some types worsen symptoms)

Helpful choices:

• Plain chicken/fish
• Soups/broths
• Plain rice, toast
• Banana/oats
• Low-fat yoghurt (if tolerated

• Supplements and Medical Intervention:

 Short term over the counter treatments can be used to help. Such as:

• Antacids (Rennie/Gaviscon)
• Alginate reflux products (especially if reflux present)
• Peppermint capsules may help some people but may worsen reflux in others

If symptoms are severe or persistent, they should seek clinical advice before taking multiple OTC products.

• Lifestyle adjustments:
• Do not lie down after meals. Stay upright for at least 2–3 hours after eating.
• Dehydration worsens nausea and digestion. Trying to reduce beverages like coffee and carbonated beverages will help minimise the chances of you experiencing the burps. Having plenty of water and trying herbal teas like Peppermint tea will also help in minimising the side effects.Sip water regularly through the day.

Follow the prescribed dosing schedule, as increasing doses too quickly may worsen side effects. If your symptoms become difficult to manage, a temporary pause in dose escalation or a reduction in dose may be appropriate. Please discuss any changes to your treatment with your provider before adjusting your medication.

For most patients, sulphur burps is a temporary side effect that improves as the body adapts to GLP-1 medication. Many people find that symptoms improve or resolve with appropriate dietary changes, identifying food triggers, and supportive self care measures.

GLP-1 related sulphur burps often develop after starting treatment or following a dose increase. It may follow a predictable pattern linked to these changes. Keeping a food diary can help identify contributing factors and support symptom management.

Sulphur burps do not affect the absorption or effectiveness of injected GLP-1 medications. However, if bloating persists, it may impact your appetite, hydration, and overall wellbeing. If your symptoms continue or worsen, please seek advice from your healthcare provider.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Advice

Please contact your GP or your local Out of Hours service as soon as possible if you experience:

• Persistent sulphur burps that do not improve or become increasingly frequent
• Develop sulphur burps alongside persistent nausea or vomiting
• Experience upper abdominal pain or discomfort
• Difficulty eating or drinking because of your symptoms

Call 999 or go to your Nearest A&E Immediately if you experience:

• Severe or worsening abdominal pain
• Abdominal pain that goes through to the back
• Persistent vomiting/inability to keep fluids down
• Fever
• Unintentional weight loss
• Yellowing of skin/eyes (jaundice)
• Signs of dehydration, very dark urine, dizziness, confusion
• Severe diarrhoea lasting more than 48 hours
• Symptoms of pancreatitis (severe upper abdominal pain + vomiting)

Important Safety Advice

It is important to use GLP-1 medications safely and in line with clinical guidance. Side effects can often be managed effectively when identified early and addressed appropriately.

Maintaining open communication with your provider is key to ensuring safe and effective treatment.

Remember:

• Do not ignore persistent or worsening symptoms
• Do not increase your dose without clinical advice
• If you have had a break in treatment, restarting at a lower dose may reduce side effects
• Ensure your GP is informed of any new or unusual symptoms

Additional support

If you are experiencing side effects or have any questions about your treatment, our clinical team is here to help.

If your symptoms are severe, worsening, or you feel they require urgent medical attention, please seek immediate advice from your GP, NHS 111, or attend your nearest A&E department if appropriate.

For all other queries:

• Book a free video consultation with one of our trained clinicians through our website. Appointments are available throughout the week, including daytime and evening sessions.
• Send us your question online using our form: https://forms.medicinemarketplace.com/251345635207050 A member of our clinical team will respond by email.
• Speak to us by phone by calling 0330 175 5747, and selecting option 3.

We are here to answer your questions and provide support throughout your treatment journey.

Written by: Uzma Dala MPharm (2238839)

Approved by: Shameela Adam MPharm (2070113)