Supplements and Foods To Avoid While Taking Fosamax: What To Skip for Better Results
Key takeaways:
Fosamax (alendronate) is a prescription medication that prevents and treats osteoporosis. It slows bone breakdown, which helps maintain stronger bones.
There aren’t specific foods to avoid while taking Fosamax. But certain foods can make it harder for your body to absorb the medication. These include dairy products; green, leafy vegetables; and foods fortified with calcium.
You should take Fosamax first thing in the morning with a full glass of water. Wait 30 minutes before you consume any food or drinks, or take other medications.
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Table of contents
Fosamax (alendronate) belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It’s FDA-approved to prevent and treat osteoporosis, a health condition that causes your bones to become weak and brittle. It also treats Paget’s disease, a different bone condition. Fosamax works by slowing the process of bone breakdown, which helps you maintain stronger bones.
Your gut doesn’t naturally absorb Fosamax very well, though. So, to see its full benefits, it’s important to know how to take it properly.
Below, we discuss what foods to avoid while taking Fosamax. We’ll also cover medication and supplement interactions with Fosamax to watch out for.
Foods to avoid while taking Fosamax
There aren’t specific foods that you must avoid while taking Fosamax. But some foods can still affect how well your body absorbs the medication. If your dose isn’t completely absorbed, it won’t work as well to prevent bone loss and fractures.
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt contain calcium. Calcium can bind to Fosamax in your gut and prevent your body from absorbing it properly. So, try to avoid consuming dairy products too soon after taking your dose. Wait for at least 30 minutes.
The most well-known source of calcium is dairy. But many other types of foods are also rich in calcium. Examples include:
Green, leafy vegetables, such as kale and broccoli
Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, hazelnuts, and sesame seeds
Soft-boned fish, such as salmon and sardines
Foods made from soybeans, such as tofu
Fortified foods, such as cereal, bread, and tortillas
Fortified drinks, such as plant-based milk and orange juice
Many foods have calcium, and you can still enjoy them in your diet. Just wait 30 minutes after taking Fosamax before eating or drinking anything aside from water. This gives your body enough time to fully absorb the medication.
Vitamins and supplements to avoid while taking Fosamax
Several vitamins and supplements can interact with Fosamax. You don’t have to avoid them. But it’s important to know how to space them from your Fosamax dose.
Let your prescriber or pharmacist know if you’re taking any over-the-counter vitamins and supplements. They can guide you on the best timing of your Fosamax dose to prevent interactions.
Treating osteoporosis: GoodRx pharmacists and physicians cover how to choose the best osteoporosis medication for you.
What to expect: Read about Fosamax (alendronate) side effects to watch for and how to manage them.
Your beverage of choice matters: Learn what drinks to avoid while taking Fosamax.
Calcium supplements
As mentioned, calcium can bind to Fosamax in the gut and make it less effective. After you take a dose of Fosamax, wait at least 30 minutes before taking calcium supplements.
Zinc supplements
Zinc is a nutrient that helps support your immune system and overall health. You shouldn’t take Fosamax and zinc at the same time, though. Take zinc supplements at least 30 minutes after your Fosamax dose.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral found in many foods, supplements, and medications. Electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade and Pedialyte also contain magnesium. Magnesium from any of these products can interfere with Fosamax’s absorption. It’s recommended to wait at least 2 hours after taking Fosamax before taking magnesium supplements.
Iron supplements
Iron supplements can lower Fosamax’s absorption, too. Depending on the iron product that you’re taking, your prescriber can suggest an ideal time to space apart the two products.
Multivitamins
Multivitamins often contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. For similar reasons as above, space your multivitamin at least 30 minutes from your Fosamax dose.
Medications to avoid while taking Fosamax
Fosamax can interact with several medications, too. These interactions most often occur when other medications bind to Fosamax in the gut. This, again, stops Fosamax from being absorbed correctly.
Antacids
Fosamax can interact with antacids. Antacids are medications that neutralize stomach acid. They’re often used to ease heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. But they contain minerals such as calcium, aluminum, and/or magnesium.
To avoid this interaction, don’t take antacids at the same time as Fosamax. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax before taking an antacid. If you need heartburn relief while taking Fosamax, talk to your healthcare professional about other options, such as omeprazole (Prilosec) or famotidine (Pepcid AC).
NSAIDs
Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can interact with Fosamax. Fosamax itself can cause stomach upset and discomfort; taking it with aspirin or other NSAIDs can make these side effects worse.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be a better option for pain relief. It doesn’t usually cause stomach irritation like NSAIDs. But, be sure to talk to a healthcare professional first. They can help you decide if acetaminophen is a safe option for you.
Are there any foods or vitamins you should take while taking Fosamax?
Yes. Certain foods and vitamins can support your bone health while taking Fosamax.
Foods rich in calcium
Calcium is an important mineral for strong bones. So, even if you’re taking Fosamax, it’s important to incorporate calcium-rich foods in your diet. Foods such as leafy greens, dairy products, and nuts are great sources of calcium. Timing is key, though. Wait 30 minutes after taking Fosamax before eating foods or taking supplements high in calcium.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. You can get vitamin D from sunlight and foods that are rich in vitamin D, such as red meat or salmon. If you’re not getting enough vitamin D from your diet, your prescriber might recommend taking vitamin D supplements.
Foods rich in protein
Protein is important for strong bones. Not getting enough protein in your diet can lead to weaker bones. Foods such as eggs, poultry, and seafood are all good sources of protein.
Frequently asked questions
Fosamax works by slowing the process of bone breakdown. This helps gradually strengthen your bones. Over time, this lowers the risk of fractures.
You should take Fosamax without food. Fosamax should be taken first thing in the morning, with a full glass (6 oz to 8 oz) of plain, nonflavored water. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else.
Yes. But you should let your dentist know that you’re taking Fosamax. Although rare, Fosamax and other bisphosphonates can cause issues such as osteonecrosis of the jaw. This is especially true after major dental work.
Yes. You can brush your teeth after taking Fosamax. Brushing your teeth doesn’t affect how Fosamax is absorbed or how well it works.
The bottom line
Fosamax (alendronate) is a medication that prevents and treats osteoporosis. There aren’t any foods that directly interact with Fosamax. But some foods can prevent your body from absorbing Fosamax if you consume them too soon after your dose. This makes Fosamax less effective. Foods such as dairy products, certain types of fish, and fortified cereals are some examples. You should wait at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax before consuming food, drinking beverages other than water, or taking other medications or vitamins.
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References
American Heart Association (2024). Protein: What’s enough?
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2022). Osteoporosis. National Institutes of Health.
Office of Dietary Supplements. (2022). Magnesium. National Institutes of Health.
Office of Dietary Supplements. (2022). Zinc. National Institutes of Health.
Parker, L. R. W., et al. (2023). Alendronate. StatPearls.
RemedyRepack. (2025). Alendronate sodium tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
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