Who 'nose', is it the angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor?: A case series of persistent nasal pruritus in heart failure patients receiving sacubitril/valsartan

Abstract

Background: Sacubitril/valsartan is approved for the treatment of chronic heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction of ≤40% to decrease mortality and morbidity. Nasal pruritus is not a recognized adverse effect in the product information. In this case series, we encountered three patients who presented with nasal pruritus that improved after discontinuation of sacubitril/valsartan. Case summary: Three patients aged 58-73 years-old presented with pruritus at the nasal septum post-initiation of sacubitril/valsartan. The pruritus did not subside despite the use of anti-histamines. Within 3-6 months, all individuals discontinued sacubitril/valsartan with complete resolution of their nasal pruritus. Discussion: Many physicians may not aware of this unusual but reversible adverse effect of sacubitril/valsartan. Despite the positive prognostic value of sacubitril/valsartan, the constant nasal pruritus had impacted the quality of life of our patients, leading them to discontinue sacubitril/valsartan permanently.