Why do I have sulfur burps on tirzepatide?

Sulfur or 'rotten egg' burps on tirzepatide happen because the medication slows digestion, letting food sit longer and produce sulfur-containing gas. They are usually harmless and often improve over time or with dietary changes. Smaller meals, less high-fat and high-sulfur food, and staying hydrated typically help.

Why it happens

Slower gastric emptying means food ferments longer in the stomach, producing hydrogen sulfide gas that causes the smell. It is a mechanical effect of how the medication works, not usually a sign of a serious problem.

What helps

Eat smaller, lower-fat meals; reduce high-sulfur foods (eggs, red meat, some cruciferous vegetables) if they trigger it; stay hydrated; and avoid lying down right after eating. Tell your physician if it comes with severe pain or persistent vomiting.