If your doctor just prescribed Skyrizi, you've probably already seen the price tag and felt a little overwhelmed. Here's what's actually involved - and what changes when a specialty pharmacy handles the details for you.
If your doctor just prescribed Skyrizi (pronounced sky-RIZ-ee - sometimes searched online as "Sky-rizzy" or "sky rizzy"; generic name risankizumab), you've probably already done a few things: googled the name, seen a price tag with a lot of zeros, and maybe felt a little overwhelmed. That's normal. Here's what's actually involved in starting Skyrizi - and what changes when a specialty pharmacy handles the details for you.
Skyrizi is a prescription biologic that works by blocking a specific protein (IL-23) involved in inflammation. It's prescribed for several chronic inflammatory conditions, including moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, and inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Your doctor prescribes it based on your specific diagnosis - if you're not sure why you were prescribed Skyrizi specifically, that's a great first question for your care team, and our pharmacists are also happy to talk through it with you.
The list price for Skyrizi is real, and it's startling - over $23,000 per dose as of early 2026. But almost nobody pays that number. Between insurance coverage, manufacturer copay support (AbbVie's own patient support program, myAbbVie Assist, is worth asking about if you're uninsured or underinsured), and for Medicare patients the new annual out-of-pocket cap on Part D drug costs, most patients end up paying a small fraction of the list price - often in the range of $0 to a few dollars per month with commercial insurance and copay card support.
The catch is that getting to that lower number involves paperwork: prior authorization, copay card or coupon enrollment, and sometimes an appeal if your insurance initially denies coverage. This is the single biggest thing a specialty pharmacy does that a regular retail pharmacy doesn't - we work closely with your provider and insurance to help get everything in order before your first shipment goes out, so you're not the one on hold with your insurance company or manually applying for a savings program.
A typical autoinjector pen used for biologic medications like Skyrizi - your specific device may look slightly different. Always follow the instructions included with your prescription.
This is the part most patients have the most questions about - more than cost, more than anything else. Here's what to know.
It depends on your condition and your doctor's prescription:
Every device needs to reach room temperature first - about 15-30 minutes for the syringe, 30-90 minutes for the pen, and 45-90 minutes for the on-body injector. This is the single most common thing patients tell us they wish they'd known in advance, since forgetting to plan for the warm-up window means delaying your dose.
The biggest difference patients tell us about isn't the medication itself - it's having someone to call. A generic mail-order pharmacy gives you a tracking number. We give you a pharmacist who already knows your case.
Skyrizi is injected into the fat layer just under the skin (subcutaneous), typically in the thigh or abdomen, or the back of the upper arm if someone else is giving the injection for you. Rotating sites with each dose - not using the exact same spot twice in a row - helps prevent irritation.
Wash your hands, let the device warm up, check that the medication looks clear (not cloudy or discolored), clean the injection site, and follow your specific device's instructions for depth and angle - these differ slightly between the pen, syringe, and on-body injector, so always follow the instructions that come with your specific device. If you've watched a video and still feel unsure, that's exactly what we're here for. Our pharmacist team walks you through your first injection over the phone (or video, if you'd prefer) before you're on your own with it.
Our pharmacists walk you through your first injection before you're on your own - by phone, video, or in person.
Skyrizi typically starts with a couple of doses spaced a few weeks apart, followed by much less frequent maintenance doses - but your exact schedule depends on your specific condition, so your doctor's instructions always take priority over general timelines. Some patients notice mild injection-site reactions or cold-like symptoms in the first few weeks; most of these are minor and expected, but your care team should always know what you're experiencing.
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How much will I actually pay for Skyrizi?
It depends on your insurance, but most patients pay far less than the list price once coverage and copay assistance are applied. We determine your specific cost before your first shipment goes out - no surprises.
Do I need to choose between the pen, syringe, or on-body injector?
Usually your doctor's prescription specifies the device based on your condition, but we can talk through what to expect with whichever one you're prescribed.
What if I miss a dose?
Contact your care team as soon as possible - don't guess. We're also available to help you get back on schedule.
Can Sorrento help even if I'm not near Glendale?
Yes - we're licensed throughout California and deliver statewide at no charge, regardless of where you live.
Can I get vaccinated while taking Skyrizi?
This is a question for your prescribing doctor, since it can depend on the specific vaccine and your individual health situation. It's worth bringing up proactively rather than assuming - especially before any live vaccines. Let your care team know you're on Skyrizi before scheduling any vaccination.
Is Skyrizi used for eczema?
No - Skyrizi is not currently FDA-approved for eczema (atopic dermatitis). It's approved for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Eczema is typically treated with different biologics that target different inflammatory pathways. If you're exploring options for eczema, ask your doctor which medications are approved for that condition.
How is Skyrizi different from Otezla?
They're not interchangeable and work very differently. Otezla (apremilast) is a daily oral pill; Skyrizi is an injectable biologic given far less frequently. Which one makes sense depends on your condition, severity, and treatment history - that's a conversation with your doctor, but we're happy to help you understand what your specific prescription means.
Our team handles the prior authorization, insurance verification, and financial assistance - so your therapy starts without delay. Free delivery throughout California. Learn more about our Skyrizi pharmacy services →
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