What is Cryptosporidiosis?

Please note: Alinia® is not approved to treat other possible symptoms of cryptosporidiosis and/or giardiasis (such as cramps, dehydration, nausea, fever, vomiting). It also is not approved to prevent the spread of infection.

What Is Cryptosporidiosis?

Cryptosporidiosis is an infection caused by Cryptosporidium parvum. Both the disease and parasite are alternatively known as Crypto. Crypto parasites can be found in water, food, soil, or on surfaces contaminated with feces. They’ve been found in every region of the US and around the world. 1

Cryptosporidiosis Symptoms

Once a person is infected with Crypto, symptoms usually begin in two to ten days. The most common symptom is watery diarrhea, but other symptoms can include stomach cramps or pain, vomiting, nausea, dehydration, weight loss, and fever.1
Symptoms usually last one to two weeks, but can range from a few days to four or more weeks. However, some people are infected but are asymptomatic – that is, they show no symptoms.1

How Is Crypto Diagnosed?

A confirmed diagnosis is generally made by examining a prepared stool sample under a microscope in a laboratory. The physician typically has to make a special request to test for Crypto, since it’s not included in routine testing.1

How Does Crypto Spread?

Crypto is passed on from infected individuals through feces. A bowel movement from an infected person can contain 10 to 100 million Crypto parasites. Swallowing even 10 Crypto parasites can cause an infection. 1

Crypto can be contracted by:
  • People who have been in contact with other people who have cryptosporidiosis
  • International travelers
  • Backpackers, hikers, and campers who drink unfiltered, untreated water
  • People who drink from untreated, shallow, and/or unprotected wells
  • People, including swimmers, who swallow water from contaminated sources or consume ice made from contaminated water
    • Contaminated water may include water that has not been boiled or filtered, as well as contaminated recreational water sources (e.g., swimming pools, lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams).
  • People in contact with children who attend day care centers, including diaper-aged children
  • Child care workers
  • Parents of infected children
  • People who handle infected cattle
  • People exposed to human feces (poop) through sexual contact

If you or a family member experience diarrhea and fit any of the descriptions below, you should contact your doctor to find out if you have Cryptosporidiosis:1

  • Children in daycare or childcare settings, especially children still in diapers
  • People who have been in close contact with someone who has giardiasis or are caring for people who have giardiasis
  • People who drink water or use ice from improperly treated water sources
  • Backpackers, hikers, or campers who drink from unsafe water sources and do not practice proper hand washing while outdoors.
  • People who may have swallowed water while swimming or playing in recreational water sources like lakes, rivers, springs, ponds or streams.
  • People who have recently traveled outside the US
  • People exposed to human feces (poop) through sexual contact

If you experience diarrhea and any of the descriptions above, you should contact your doctor to find out if you have a Cryptosporidium infection1.

For further information please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/crypto/

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

REFERENCES
1 Cryptosporidium – General Information for the Public. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov/parasites/crypto/general-info.html. Accessed May 11, 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.