How Fast-Melt Tablets Support Adherence and Patient Choice

In this interview with David Mastropietro, R.Ph, Ph.D., executive vice president of Product Development & Quality Management at Solara Labs and senior pharmaceutical scientist for the EZ Melts product line, he discusses how fast-melt tablets can improve patient adherence. He explains that patients experiencing “pill fatigue” or taking multiple daily medications may find melt-in-the-mouth tablets easier to use, helping reduce missed doses. The sensory experience—such as a distinct flavor—can also reinforce memory, reminding patients whether they’ve taken a supplement that day.

David further compares melt-in-the-mouth tablets with popular gummy formulations, noting key differences in sugar content, serving size, and nutrient density. He highlights that melting tablets can deliver more nutrients in fewer doses, often with little or no sugar, which may be especially beneficial for patients with diabetes. While he acknowledges these formulations may carry a slightly higher cost due to ingredient quality and flavoring, he emphasizes that the benefits in convenience, adherence, and suitability for certain patient populations often outweigh the difference.

Pharmacy Times: What should pharmacists know when counseling patients on fast-melt tablets, particularly regarding administration, storage, or expected onset of action?

David Mastropietro, R.Ph., Ph.D,: So, the first thing from a pharmacist counseling a patient, let’s say on these types of tablets, is that they are taken very simply by placing them in the mouth. Typically, people will place them on the tongue. You can move them around, and you’re just allowing them to disintegrate and dissolve in the mouth. There’s no requirement for water, but some patients do like to take a little sip of water or liquid with them. Some patients also like to chew them a little bit. They are soft and chewable, so some patients do like to move them around in their mouth and chew them. That is permissible as well.

The only thing that’s really necessary is to make sure patients avoid trying to swallow the tablet whole. They should not ingest it as they would with a typical tablet or capsule. Instead, they should allow it to disintegrate in the mouth or at least break it up into pieces by chewing fully before swallowing.

The other consideration would be storage. These tablets may be a little more sensitive to moisture than a typical tablet or capsule because they contain ingredients that tend to absorb moisture. Keeping them in their original bottle, tightly closed, is important. If they are in blister packs, don’t pop them out until needed. Store them in a cool, dry place. You don’t want to leave them in a car or in a humid environment like a bathroom. Storing them properly will help maintain their condition. Again, keeping them in the original container, tightly closed when not in use, is best.

You also asked about onset of action. Since disintegration happens in the mouth, that process is fast. For supplements that are primarily absorbed in the gut, systemic onset will either be faster or about the same as what you would see with a conventional immediate-release tablet. The disintegration is happening faster, but absorption still depends on the dietary ingredient itself.

From a pharmacist’s perspective, and based on my experience in various environments, including community pharmacy, patients often come up with one or two or even a handful of dietary supplement products, asking many questions about them. Even for me, it took time to understand how to read the labels appropriately and how to address some of the common questions my patients had. One of the biggest questions was about understanding the labels. Pharmacists should be familiar with how a supplement facts panel on a dietary supplement differs from a nutrition facts panel on food and from a drug facts panel on OTC products. They all have different requirements, and dietary supplements do have their own requirements. Understanding how they’re set up and labeled, and how ingredients are listed, helps answer patients’ questions.

Another common question is how to know if a company or product is reputable. Patients often ask what to look for in high-quality products. It’s important to understand which companies are considered reputable, look for third-party certifications when possible, and even encourage patients to reach out to companies directly. These steps can help determine what you would consider a reputable company to recommend.

Finally, I’d like to address a common misconception: that dietary supplements aren’t regulated. Some patients may be fearful of taking supplements because of this belief. However, dietary supplements are regulated. The FDA does inspect facilities. They are simply not approved by the FDA in the same way a drug product would be. But they do have requirements, and it is a regulated industry, which is important for patients to understand.

Pharmacy Times: How do you see fast-melt tablets fitting into current pharmacy practice, particularly for patients with complex medication regimens or polypharmacy concerns?

David Mastropietro, R.Ph., Ph.D,: I think one of the biggest things they can really help with, first of all, is adherence. They are going to be best used when immediate disintegration is necessary or when a patient factor warrants it. For example, we have pill fatigue, where patients are simply taking a handful of products, and switching to something that’s easier to take and disintegrates in the mouth can really help.

I’ve also seen patients who, when taking a whole bunch of medications, sometimes forget doses or aren’t sure if they already took them. I’ve noticed that some patients have a better memory when they have an actual experience tied to taking their medicine. For instance, if they take an iron tablet in the morning that tastes like orange or a berry-flavored calcium tablet, they remember that experience and think, “Oh, I already took that today.” So this can also help improve adherence.

From a pharmacist’s perspective, it’s important to listen to patients’ needs and identify those who might be appropriate candidates for supplements that would benefit from switching to a dosage form that’s easier to take in the mouth. We often see patients using gummies now because they’re convenient. But then the question becomes: what’s the difference between taking a gummy and an easy-melting tablet?

One difference is sugar content. Gummies often contain sugar, and patients may need to take multiple gummies compared with fewer melt-in-the-mouth tablets. Melting tablets are a little denser, so you can fit more nutrients into fewer servings. They may also have little to no sugar, which can be more appropriate for certain patients, such as those with diabetes.

The last consideration is cost. Disintegrating or melting tablets are sometimes a little more expensive because they use higher-quality ingredients and additional flavoring. Compared with a traditional swallowable tablet, there can be a slight cost difference. However, it’s usually not significant enough to prevent patients from considering the switch when it’s appropriate.