Patient Testimonies | October 14, 2025
Hello, I am Mary Schmidt and I am from Devine, Texas.
For as long as I can remember, I have had an autoimmune condition called pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) which requires immunosuppressant medication. The drug that was prescribed to me cost $3,000 retail or $300 for a generic alternative. To put it simply, I cannot afford it. Subsequently, I am on another medication but it is taking me longer to heal.
The prescription drug I need is called Otezla. When I first had it recommended by my dermatologist it worked very well. I began using it only with samples and then applied to their assistance program because I knew it was very expensive. I attempted to prove to them that I was on limited income. I even had to apply for Extra Help via Texas’s Health and Human Services who sent me a letter saying I could get $1,600 of additional coverage but that would still be way too expensive.
Due to the high price, I had to go on Methotrexate which can do more harm than good to a person. I had to have my blood drawn regularly and would bruise badly because of my condition. Then I was put on Skyrizi which accepted me into their assistance program for a year. Then came time to renew and I haven’t been able to get back into the program again.
This has been an ongoing issue since April and I’ve done everything possible on my part. In the meantime, it is time for my next dose. I need to call my dermatologist and see if they have a sample. Otezla and Skyrizi cost thousands of dollars that I do not have. Medication for profit is really sad and life threatening to some patients like me.