GLP-1 burping, "sulfur burps" and reflux
Burping (eructation) and reflux are listed side effects of semaglutide and tirzepatide. The label rates, and a simple way to keep track.
What the labels report
The labels call burping "eructation". It was reported by 7% of people on Wegovy (under 1% on placebo) and 4% to 5% on Zepbound (1% on placebo). Gastroesophageal reflux disease was reported by 5% on Wegovy (3% on placebo) and 4% to 5% on Zepbound (2% on placebo).
Many people describe the burps as smelling of sulfur. The labels don't use that term; they record eructation.
| Placebo | On the drug | |
|---|---|---|
| Burping, Wegovy | <1% | 7% |
| Reflux (GERD), Wegovy | 3% | 5% |
| Burping, Zepbound | 1% | 4–5% |
| Reflux (GERD), Zepbound | 2% | 4–5% |
Share of trial participants reporting it, from each label's adverse reactions table.
When the label says to call
Both labels tell people to contact their healthcare provider if stomach problems are severe or won't go away. Wegovy's Medication Guide adds: "It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that does not go away." Persistent or severe abdominal pain, sometimes reaching through to the back, is listed as a possible sign of pancreatitis.
Keeping a record
Writing down when it happens, what you had eaten and how long after your dose gives you a pattern to talk through with your prescriber. In PepMe, it goes in the Journal note.
Sources
- Wegovy (semaglutide) prescribing information, revised 08/2025 (FDA)
- Zepbound (tirzepatide) prescribing information, revised 08/2026 (Eli Lilly)
Trial figures describe groups of people, not what will happen to you. PepMe keeps a record of what you log; it never suggests what to take. Talk to your prescriber about anything here.