Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Giardia and Crypto?

Giardia and Crypto are parasites found in water, food, soil, or on surfaces contaminated with feces.1,2

When infected, the most common symptom is diarrhea. Other symptoms may be involved and some individuals become infected but are asymptomatic – that is, they show no symptoms.1,3

How Long Can Diarrhea Last?

Without treatment diarrhea can last up to four weeks for Crypto and six weeks for Giardia.1,2

How Are Crypto and Giardia Diagnosed?

A diagnosis is confirmed by a laboratory test.4,5

How Do I Know If I Have a Parasite?

Parasites such as Crypto and Giardia are typically detected through prepared stool samples under a microscope in a laboratory.4,5

How Can One Get Infected?

Swallowing Crypto and Giardia parasites can cause infection. If you swallow contaminated water, eat contaminated food, or touch a contaminated surface (such as bathroom fixtures, changing tables, diaper pails, or toys) and later swallow those parasites, you can get sick.1,2  Swallowing as few as 10 Crypto oocysts or 10 Giardia cysts can cause someone to become ill7

Are Parasites Tolerant to Chlorine Found in Water?

Giardia has moderate tolerance to chlorine, while Crypto is extremely tolerant and has been known to survive for up to 10 days in chlorinated swimming pools and fountains.7

Can Crypto and Giardia Parasites Live Outside the Body?

Yes, these parasites can survive outside the body for extended periods of time.2,7

What Is Alinia®?

Alinia is the only FDA-approved product for treating diarrhea caused by both Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia. It comes in a tablet formulation for patients 12 years of age and older, and in a liquid formulation (oral suspension) for patients 1 year of age and older.8

Limitations of Use:  Alinia for Oral Suspension and Alinia Tablets have not been shown to be effective for the treatment of diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum in HIV-infected or immunodeficient patients.8

How Is Alinia Administered?

Please take Alinia exactly as directed by your doctor. Children ages 1 to 11 are administered Alinia in a strawberry flavored liquid formulation (oral suspension). Patients 12 and older are administered either the oral suspension or tablets. Please see the full Prescribing Information for more information.8

What Are Common Alinia Side Effects?

The most common side effects reported in clinical trials for Alinia were abdominal pain, headache, chromaturia (discoloration of urine), and nausea. Please see the full Prescribing Information for more information8

Who Shouldn’t Take Alinia?

  • Patients with a prior hypersensitivity or an allergy to nitazoxanide or any other product ingredients. Please see the full Prescribing Information for a complete list of ingredients.8
  • Patients should avoid concurrent warfarin use8
  • Pediatric patients less than one year of age8

Are there coupons or discounts for Alinia?

With the ALINIA Co-pay program, eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 per prescription*

  • ALINIA is covered by most managed care plans
  • E-Vouchers are applied automatically for eligible patients at most pharmacies

Maximum benefit up to $300 for ALINIA Tablets*
Maximum benefit up to $75 for ALINIA for Oral Suspension*

* Terms and conditions apply.

Visit the Alinia Savings page to learn more and see the program’s full Terms and Conditions.

Talk to your doctor to see if Alinia is right for you. Please see the Full Prescribing Information for more information.

REFERENCES
1Cryptosporidium – General Information for the Public.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Accessed May 11, 2017. www.cdc.gov/parasites/crypto/general-info.html
2 Giardia – General Information.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Accessed May 11, 2017. www.cdc.gov/parasites/giardia/general-info.html
3 Giardia – Illness and Symptoms.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov/parasites/giardia/illness.html. Accessed May 11, 2017.
4 “Diarrhea.” Mayo Clinic.  Accessed May 11, 2017. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/home/ovc-20232932.
5 Cryptosporidium –Diagnosis.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Accessed May 11, 2017. www.cdc.gov/parasites/crypto/diagnosis.html
6 Giardia – Diagnosis.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Accessed May 11, 2017. www.cdc.gov/parasites/giardia/diagnosis.html
7 Cryptosporidiosis Surveillance — United States, 2011-2012 and Giardiasis Surveillance — United States, 2011-2012.” Painter J et al. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (2015) vol. 64, no. 3.
8 Alinia [Prescribing Information]. Tampa, FL: Romark, L.C.; April 2017.

Indications*

ALINIA® for Oral Suspension (patients 1 year of age and older) and ALINIA Tablets (patients 12 years and older) are indicated for the treatment of diarrhea caused by Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium parvum.
Limitations of Use: ALINIA for Oral Suspension and ALINIA Tablets have not been shown to be effective for the treatment of diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum in HIV-infected or immunodeficient patients.

Important Safety Information regarding ALINIA:

  • Do NOT take ALINIA Tablets or ALINIA for Oral Suspension if you are allergic to nitazoxanide or any other ingredient in the formulations.
  • ALINIA Tablets or ALINIA for Oral Suspension should be taken with food.
  • ALINIA Tablets should NOT be taken by children 11 years or younger.
  • ALINIA tablets and ALINIA for Oral Suspension should be taken with food.
  • Please discuss with your doctor if you:
    • have hepatic, biliary, or renal disease.
    • are taking any other medications (for example, warfarin).
    • are a pregnant or a nursing woman.
    • are 65 years of age and older.
    • are HIV infected or have an immune disease (such as AIDS).
  • The most common side effects reported for ALINIA Tablets and ALINIA for Oral Suspension during clinical trials were abdominal pain, headache, chromaturia and nausea.

*For more information, please read the Full Prescribing Information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088, or contact Romark at 1-813-282-8544.

Alinia is a registered trademark of Romark, L.C.

Intended only for residents of the United States of America. ©2021 Romark, L.C., Tampa, Florida 33607-8416

The information contained in this website is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. Alinia is not right for everyone. Decisions regarding healthcare must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.