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Does Victoza cause sulphur burps? Whilst sulphur burps—belches with a distinctive rotten egg odour—are not formally listed as a side effect of Victoza (liraglutide) in UK regulatory documentation, some patients report experiencing them, particularly during initial treatment. Victoza is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to manage type 2 diabetes, and it works partly by slowing gastric emptying. This delayed digestion may indirectly contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms, including increased gas and belching. Understanding the connection between Victoza's mechanism of action and digestive changes can help patients manage these symptoms effectively whilst maintaining diabetes control.
Quick Answer: Sulphur burps are not officially listed as a side effect of Victoza, but some patients report them, likely due to the medication's effect on slowing gastric emptying.
Sulphur burps are belches that produce a distinctive smell of rotten eggs, caused by the presence of hydrogen sulphide gas. This unpleasant odour occurs when certain foods or digestive processes lead to the production of sulphur-containing compounds in the gastrointestinal tract.
Under normal circumstances, the digestive system breaks down proteins containing sulphur-based amino acids such as methionine and cysteine. When digestion slows or becomes disrupted, bacteria in the gut (primarily in the intestine rather than the stomach) can ferment these compounds, producing hydrogen sulphide as a by-product. This gas then travels upwards through the oesophagus and is expelled as a burp with the characteristic sulphurous odour.
Common triggers for sulphur burps include:
High-protein foods, particularly red meat, eggs, and dairy products
Foods rich in sulphur compounds, such as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts)
Certain preservatives, including sulphites found in dried fruits and wine
Gastrointestinal infections, including those potentially associated with Helicobacter pylori or Giardia lamblia
Conditions that slow gastric emptying, such as gastroparesis
Dietary intolerances, including lactose intolerance
Whilst occasional sulphur burps are generally harmless and resolve spontaneously, persistent or severe episodes may indicate an underlying digestive issue requiring medical attention. The symptom becomes clinically relevant when it occurs frequently, is accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain, or significantly impacts quality of life.
If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice. Understanding the mechanism behind sulphur burps is essential when considering whether medicines, including Victoza, might contribute to this symptom.
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Victoza (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist licensed in the UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus at doses up to 1.8 mg daily. It's worth noting that liraglutide is also available at a higher dose (3 mg daily) under the brand name Saxenda for weight management, but this is a separate product from Victoza.
Sulphur burps are not explicitly listed as an adverse effect in the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for Victoza as approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). However, there are patient-reported experiences suggesting a potential association.
The most frequently reported gastrointestinal side effects of Victoza according to the SmPC include:
Nausea (very common, affecting more than 1 in 10 patients)
Diarrhoea (very common)
Vomiting (common, affecting up to 1 in 10 patients)
Constipation (common)
Dyspepsia (common)
Abdominal pain (common)
Some patients taking Victoza report experiencing sulphur burps, particularly during the initial weeks of treatment or following dose escalation. However, there is no official, direct causal link established in clinical trials between liraglutide and sulphur burps specifically. The symptom may represent an indirect consequence of the medication's effects on gastrointestinal motility rather than a direct pharmacological action.
It is important to note that the absence of sulphur burps from formal adverse event listings does not mean the symptom cannot occur. If you experience troublesome side effects that you believe may be related to your medicine, you can report them through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app).
Understanding the mechanism of action of Victoza helps explain why digestive symptoms, including potentially sulphur burps, may occur. Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the action of naturally occurring incretin hormones. These hormones are released from the intestine in response to food intake and play crucial roles in glucose homeostasis and appetite regulation.
Key pharmacological effects relevant to digestion include:
Delayed gastric emptying: Liraglutide significantly slows the rate at which food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine. This is one of the primary mechanisms by which it helps control postprandial glucose levels and promotes satiety.
Altered gastrointestinal motility: The medication affects the coordinated muscular contractions that move food through the digestive tract.
When gastric emptying is delayed, food remains in the stomach for extended periods. This prolonged retention may contribute to:
The effect on gastric emptying is dose-dependent and typically most pronounced during treatment initiation or dose escalation, which aligns with patient reports of digestive symptoms being more common during these periods. Additionally, individuals with pre-existing gastroparesis or other motility disorders may be more susceptible to these digestive effects.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) acknowledges gastrointestinal adverse reactions as the most common side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists. The SmPC for Victoza also notes that prolonged use of GLP-1 receptor agonists has been associated with risk of gallbladder disease, and severe gastrointestinal symptoms can potentially lead to dehydration and, in some cases, renal impairment.
If you experience sulphur burps whilst taking Victoza, several practical strategies may help reduce their frequency and severity. It is important not to discontinue prescribed medicine without consulting your healthcare provider, as diabetes management requires consistent treatment.
Dietary modifications:
Reduce high-sulphur foods: Temporarily limit consumption of eggs, red meat, cruciferous vegetables, garlic, and onions to identify potential triggers.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals: This approach reduces the volume of food in the stomach at any one time, potentially easing the burden on delayed gastric emptying.
Avoid carbonated beverages: These can increase gas production and belching.
Stay well hydrated: Adequate water intake supports digestive function and may help reduce symptom severity.
Limit fatty foods: High-fat meals further slow gastric emptying, potentially exacerbating symptoms.
Lifestyle adjustments:
Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to aid digestion
Avoid lying down immediately after meals; remain upright for at least two hours
Consider keeping a food diary to identify specific triggers
Ensure regular physical activity, which can support gastrointestinal motility
Over-the-counter remedies that may provide symptomatic relief include:
Simeticone-containing products (anti-foaming agents that help break down gas bubbles) – ask your pharmacist for suitable options
Peppermint tea, which may soothe digestive discomfort (though use with caution if you have reflux, as it may worsen symptoms for some people)
Probiotics, though evidence for their efficacy in this context is limited
Many patients find that gastrointestinal side effects, including sulphur burps, diminish over time as the body adjusts to Victoza. The initial 4–8 weeks of treatment are typically when symptoms are most pronounced.
It may also be worth discussing with your healthcare provider whether other medicines you take (such as metformin or NSAIDs) could be contributing to digestive symptoms. If symptoms persist beyond the adaptation period or significantly impact quality of life, discuss alternative management strategies with your GP or diabetes specialist nurse.
Whilst sulphur burps alone are generally not a cause for immediate concern, certain accompanying symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation. It is essential to distinguish between expected, manageable side effects and signs of potentially serious complications.
Contact your GP or diabetes care team if you experience:
Persistent or severe nausea and vomiting that prevents adequate food or fluid intake, as this may lead to dehydration and interfere with diabetes management
Severe abdominal pain, particularly if constant or worsening, which could indicate pancreatitis—a reported adverse effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists (frequency not known)
Signs of dehydration, including dark urine, dizziness, reduced urination, or extreme thirst
Unexplained weight loss beyond what is expected from the medication's therapeutic effect
Blood in vomit or stools, which requires urgent assessment
Symptoms of gastroparesis, such as feeling full after eating very small amounts, persistent bloating, or frequent vomiting of undigested food
Right upper abdominal pain, fever or yellowing of the skin/eyes, which could indicate gallbladder disease (a known risk with GLP-1 receptor agonists)
For urgent advice when your GP surgery is closed, call NHS 111.
Seek immediate medical attention (call 999 or attend A&E) if you develop:
Severe, persistent abdominal pain radiating to the back (potential pancreatitis)
Signs of severe dehydration with altered consciousness
Persistent vomiting preventing any oral intake for more than 24 hours
According to NICE guidance (NG28) on type 2 diabetes management, regular review of medication tolerability is essential. Your healthcare provider may consider:
Adjusting the dose escalation schedule to allow better tolerance
Switching to an alternative GLP-1 receptor agonist with potentially different side effect profiles
Reviewing overall diabetes management strategy if side effects significantly impair quality of life
Never discontinue Victoza abruptly without medical guidance, as this may lead to deterioration in glycaemic control. Open communication with your healthcare team ensures that any adjustments to your treatment plan are made safely and appropriately, balancing therapeutic benefit against tolerability.
Sulphur burps are not formally listed in Victoza's official side effects, but some patients report them, particularly during initial treatment or dose increases. The symptom may result from the medication's effect on slowing gastric emptying rather than a direct pharmacological action.
Most gastrointestinal side effects, including sulphur burps, are most pronounced during the first 4–8 weeks of treatment and often diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. If symptoms persist beyond this period or worsen, consult your GP or diabetes care team.
Contact your GP if you experience persistent or severe nausea and vomiting, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, or symptoms that significantly impact your quality of life. Seek immediate medical attention for severe persistent abdominal pain radiating to the back or persistent vomiting preventing oral intake for over 24 hours.
All medical content on this blog is created based on reputable, evidence-based sources and reviewed regularly for accuracy and relevance. While we strive to keep content up to date with the latest research and clinical guidelines, it is intended for general informational purposes only.
DisclaimerThis content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with any medical questions or concerns. Use of the information is at your own risk, and we are not responsible for any consequences resulting from its use.
