A device and method for moving a membrane into contact and out of contact with the surface of a skin of a patient. The membrane contains at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and is configured to release the API to the patient when the membrane is in contact with the skin. The device includes components which control the timing of the movement of the membrane based on intended drug delivery profiles. The device may control the amount of surface area of the membrane contacting the skin or the pressure of the membrane on the skin to additionally adjust the drug delivery profile. The membrane may be on a translating platform which moves to a down position where the membrane is in contact with the skin or to an up position where the membrane is not in contact with the skin.