Same active ingredient, two very different formats

An Amorix Guide  |  Last reviewed 2026

Medical disclaimer. This article is for general education and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified clinician. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or supplement without speaking to your own provider. Individual results vary.

 

This is the most interesting comparison in the category, because Love Spell and Vyleesi share the same active ingredient: bremelanotide, also known as PT-141. The differences come down to format, regulatory status, and the extra ingredient in Love Spell.

Quick comparison

Feature	Love Spell	Vyleesi (bremelanotide)
Status	Compounded, not FDA-approved	FDA-approved (2019)
Active ingredients	Bremelanotide (PT-141) + oxytocin	Bremelanotide only
Format	Sublingual dissolvable tablet	Subcutaneous self-injection
Schedule	On-demand	On-demand (45 min before)
Extra ingredient	Oxytocin (bonding hormone)	None
Access	Telehealth intake and physician review	Prescription

The key similarity

Both contain bremelanotide, a melanocortin receptor agonist that acts on brain pathways tied to sexual desire and arousal. This means the core mechanism is the same. Any woman weighing these two is really choosing how she wants to take the same active ingredient, and whether the added oxytocin and the needle-free format matter to her.

The key differences

Format. Vyleesi is a subcutaneous injection given with an auto-injector pen at least 45 minutes before activity. Love Spell is a tablet that dissolves under the tongue, with no needles. For many women, needle-free is the deciding factor.

Regulatory status. Vyleesi is FDA-approved, which means the finished product has been through formal review. Love Spell is compounded and not FDA-approved; it relies on the evidence for its active ingredient plus physician oversight. This is the most important trade-off to understand.

Oxytocin. Love Spell adds oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding, trust, and arousal, with the aim of supporting emotional connection. Evidence for oxytocin in this role is limited, so treat it as a thoughtful addition rather than a proven second engine.

Evidence and expectations

Bremelanotide's clinical evidence comes from trials of the FDA-approved injection, where it produced modest improvements in desire and distress. Because Love Spell delivers the same molecule sublingually, the mechanism is shared, but the specific compounded tablet has not been studied in large trials, and sublingual absorption can differ from injection. Set expectations accordingly and use physician guidance.

Side effects and safety

Both share bremelanotide's profile: nausea is the most common issue, along with flushing and headache. Bremelanotide raises blood pressure temporarily, so neither is appropriate for people with uncontrolled hypertension or significant cardiovascular disease. With repeated bremelanotide use, skin and gum darkening can occur. Neither should be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Which should you consider?

•    Consider Vyleesi if you want an FDA-approved product and are comfortable with a self-injection.

•    Consider Love Spell if you want the same active ingredient without needles, prefer a sublingual tablet, value a telehealth experience, and accept that it is compounded and not FDA-approved.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Love Spell just Vyleesi in tablet form?

Not exactly. Both use bremelanotide, but Love Spell is a compounded sublingual tablet that also contains oxytocin, while Vyleesi is an FDA-approved bremelanotide injection with no other active ingredient.

Is the tablet as effective as the injection?

The compounded tablet has not been directly compared to Vyleesi in large trials, and absorption differs between sublingual and injected routes, so effectiveness cannot be assumed to be identical. Discuss expectations with your provider.

Why choose a compounded version over the FDA-approved one?

Usually for the needle-free format and the telehealth experience. The trade-off is that compounded products are not FDA-approved.