Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has helped thousands of people lose significant weight and control type 2 diabetes.
Along with the impressive results, many users run into two very unpleasant side effects: sulfur burps and diarrhea.
These problems tend to appear together and can make the first weeks or months on the medication feel rough.
The good news is that sulfur burps and diarrhea almost always get better with time and a few simple changes.
Most people who learn how to handle them stay on Mounjaro without stopping.
This guide explains exactly why they happen and what actually works to make them go away or become mild.
Thousands of patients describe the burps as smelling like rotten eggs and the diarrhea as sudden and urgent.
Understanding the cause helps you take control instead of suffering every week after your shot.
Why Mounjaro Causes Sulfur Burps and Diarrhea
Mounjaro slows down how fast food leaves the stomach and changes the bacteria balance in the gut.
When food sits longer than usual, certain bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide gas — that’s the rotten-egg smell.
The same slowing of the gut plus the strong GLP-1/GIP effect often leads to loose stools or full-blown diarrhea.
The higher the dose, the stronger these effects feel.
People on 7.5 mg, 10 mg, and especially 12.5–15 mg report sulfur burps and diarrhea the most.
Starting the medication too fast or eating trigger foods makes everything worse.
Direct Answer: How to Stop Mounjaro Sulfur Burps and Diarrhea
Here are the proven steps that work for the vast majority of users.
Follow them in order and most people see big improvement within 1–2 weeks.
Step 1 – Change When and How You Eat
Eat smaller meals and stop eating 3 hours before bed.
Avoid greasy, fried, or high-fat foods for the first 8–12 weeks on Mounjaro.
Fat takes the longest to leave the stomach and feeds the bacteria that create sulfur gas.
Step 2 – Cut Out the Biggest Trigger Foods and Drinks
Remove or limit these common culprits completely for at least a month:
- Eggs and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage)
- Red meat and processed meat
- Dairy if you notice it makes burps worse
- Alcohol, carbonated drinks, and artificial sweeteners that end in “-ol” (sorbitol, mannitol)
- Garlic, onions, and large amounts of protein shakes
Step 3 – Add Gut-Soothing Helpers
Sip peppermint or ginger tea after meals — both calm the stomach and reduce gas.
Take a good-quality probiotic with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains every day.
Chew food slowly and stop when you feel 70–80 % full.
Step 4 – Use Over-the-Counter Relief When Needed
Take Simethicone (Gas-X) or Pepto-Bismol right after the first sulfur burp — they neutralize the smell fast.
Keep Imodium (loperamide) on hand for urgent diarrhea episodes; most doctors say 2 mg after a loose stool is safe.
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) tablets also help both burps and diarrhea at the same time.
Step 5 – Time Your Injection Smartly
Give your shot on Friday or Saturday night.
The worst symptoms usually hit day 2–4, so you’re home on the weekend instead of at work.
Many people notice the burps and diarrhea fade by the time Monday comes.
How Common Are Sulfur Burps and Diarrhea on Mounjaro?
| Symptom | Percentage of Users Affected | Peak Timing After Shot | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfur/rotten egg burps | 35–50 % | Day 1–4 | 4–48 hours per episode |
| Diarrhea | 45–60 % | Day 1–5 | 1–7 days per flare |
| Both together | 30–40 % | Day 2–4 | Improves after 4–8 weeks |
| Still present after 3 months | <10 % | N/A | Usually diet-related |
Real-world Facebook and Reddit groups show these numbers match patient experience closely.
Foods That Make Sulfur Burps Worse on Mounjaro
High-sulfur foods feed the exact bacteria that create the smell.
Even healthy choices like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale can trigger a bad episode when the gut is already slowed.
Many people eat these foods thinking they are “good” and then wonder why the burps return.
Protein-heavy meals late at night are another common mistake.
A big steak dinner followed by a Mounjaro shot the next morning almost guarantees sulfur burps two days later.
When Sulfur Burps and Diarrhea Are a Bigger Problem
Constant symptoms after 12 weeks on the same dose can point to gastroparesis or SIBO.
See your doctor if you lose more than 4–5 pounds a week or cannot keep any food down.
Rare cases of severe pancreatitis start with bad sulfur burps and vomiting — get checked the same day if pain is intense.
Long-Term Users Share What Finally Worked
People who have been on Mounjaro 6–18 months almost never have sulfur burps anymore.
They stick to low-fat, moderate-protein meals and avoid the trigger list completely.
Many say the first 8 weeks were the hardest, then everything settled down for good.
Natural Home Remedies That Help Right Away
Warm lemon water first thing in the morning flushes the system gently.
A teaspoon of baking soda in water neutralizes stomach acid and reduces burping within minutes.
Fennel seeds chewed after meals work like a natural Gas-X for many users.
Summary
Mounjaro sulfur burps and diarrhea come from slowed digestion and extra hydrogen sulfide gas in the gut.
They feel awful but are not dangerous for the vast majority of people.
Smaller low-fat meals, cutting high-sulfur foods, timing your shot for the weekend, and using Pepto-Bismol or Imodium when needed stop the problem fast for most users.
After 2–3 months the body adjusts and these side effects become rare or disappear completely.
FAQ
How long do sulfur burps last on Mounjaro?
Most episodes last 4–48 hours after the shot.
They become much milder or stop entirely after 8–12 weeks on the same dose.
Does everyone get sulfur burps on Mounjaro?
No, about half of users never experience them.
People who eat low-fat and avoid eggs, broccoli, and red meat rarely report the problem.
Can I still eat eggs or broccoli on Mounjaro?
Many people can eat small amounts after month 3–4.
In the beginning, even one egg or a serving of broccoli can trigger rotten-egg burps for days.
Is Pepto-Bismol safe with Mounjaro?
Yes, it is one of the most recommended over-the-counter options.
The bismuth binds the sulfur gas and firms up stools at the same time.
Will the sulfur burps come back if I increase the dose?
They often return for 1–3 weeks when you go up to the next dose, but usually milder than the first time because your gut is already used to the medication.
Dr. Hamza is a medical content reviewer with over 12+ years of experience in healthcare research and patient education. He specializes in evidence-based health information, medications, and chronic conditions. His reviews are grounded in trusted medical sources and current clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Content reviewed by Dr. Hamza is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.