Can Wegovy cause sulfur burps?
Yes, you can experience sulfur burps after Wegovy. Sulfur burps can be a side effect of Wegovy. However, this symptom is uncommon.
This adverse effect can be exacerbated by a sulfur-rich diet. Foods that contain high amounts of sulfur include eggs, seafood, almonds, and soybeans.
Sulfur burps while taking Wegovy can also be caused by other causes than the drug. Several conditions you might have can cause sulfur burps more commonly than Wegovy. Among them are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) , peptic ulcers, and gastritis [1, 2].
What can I do against sulfur burping after Wegovy?
The sulfur burps after Wegovy are harmless for your health. They come from your stomach. The air coming out is the same that you have swallowed while eating [2].
There are several ways you can deal with sulfur burps.
A quick and often effective way to deal with sulfur burps is with over-the-counter drugs. For example, Pepto-Bismol, Gas-X, or Mylanta can be helpful. If you have enzyme deficiencies, taking the enzymes can lower the bad-smelling burps from your gastrointestinal tract [2].
To get rid of sulfur burps after Wegovy, you can try to modulate your diet. Eating less or avoiding sulfur-rich foods can reduce sulfur burps. Among the foods that contain a high amount of sulfur are soybeans, kale, cauliflower, fish, seafood, nuts, meat, cabbage, and broccoli [2].
There are also other way how to minimize the number of burps. You can stop activities that promote air collection in the stomach. Do not drink carbonated beverages and chew gums. Additionally, you should not eat and drink too fast, and smoke cigaretts and vapes [2].
Do I need to see a doctor when I have sulfur burps after Wegovy?
You do not have to see a doctor when the sulfur burps are not too common and do not interfere with your daily life. However, you should consult a medical professional when the burps are frequent and annoying.
In situations where sulfur burps occur with pain in the abdomen or chest, you should seek medical attention. Also, talk to your doctor when the burps are accompanied by frequent diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Combination like that can indicate a serious condition or may require drug adjustment.
The doctor might recommend some dietary changes, behavioral changes, or changes in the dose or brand of the drug you are using. The approach the physician will choose will depend on the underlying cause of the sulfur burps [1].
You should always consult a doctor when uncertain where your sulfur burps come from.
What are other side effects of Wegovy?
Wegovy is a medication that helps you lose weight. Except for sulfur burps, it can cause other side effects. The adverse reactions of Wegovy can vary in duration and severity.
Among the common side effects of Wegovy are:
- headache,
- abdominal pain,
- nausea and vomiting,
- diarrhoea,
- constipation,
- indigestion,
- fatigue [3, 4].
Wegovy can also lead to acid reflux and hair loss [3, 4].
Children from 12 years on Wegovy have specific side effects. This age group experiences urinary tract infections, sinus infections, anxiety, rashes, and gallbladder stones [3].
The less frequent but more dangerous side effects of Wegovy include:
- hypoglycemia,
- kidney damage,
- pancreatitis,
- tachycardia,
- potential risk of thyroid cancer,
- allergic reactions [4].
A characteristic effect of Wegovy can also be an aesthetic change in the face. The fast fat tissue loss in the face can lead to a phenomenon named Ozempic Face [5].